Since men began collecting them in the mountains of Japan (around 1860), the
Shimpaku Juniper has captured the hearts of bonsai enthusiasts worldwide. So
desirable were the mountain-grown specimens that they have vanished from the
wild. It is believed that the last "hunted" masterpiece specimen, the "Flying Dragon"
(which was also called "God's Tree"), was discovered in 1979 and obtained in
1983. Most mountain Shimpakus disappeared decades before that.
If we think it is difficult to find a good shimpaku these days, we should consider
that until as recently as twenty years ago it was downright dangerous. Men usually
"hunted" in pairs. One man would stay at the cliff top directing the other, who
would lower himself down the cliff by a rope. The "spotter" at the top would peer
down the cliff (or inaccessable overhang, as it might be better described) with
binoculars and direct the "hunter" to what appeared to be a collectable specimen.
If the spotter spied a suitable tree, the hunter would break apart the rocks
surrounding the roots with his pickaxe, and then use the pickaxe to free the
shimpaku, tie the tree to a rack on his back, and climb up. The men were minimally
attired for the occasion, with proper foot gear and (apparently the only
"requirement"), a helmet.
Collectors lost their lives in the snow-covered mountains. Even small falling rocks
could cause serious injuries. Weather conditions were severe and unpredictable at
best. Despite the fact that most collectors were determined, experienced,
mountain climbers, some perished. Sources estimate that during the
heyday of collecting, twenty to thirty Shimpaku collectors were killed
while scores of others simply vanished.
Trees were collected and auctioned off the same day, with the base
completely covered in grass (so much for checking the roots!). Even so,
it was not uncommon for some specimens to sell for several million yen and
more, which in today's money could mean several hundred thousand dollars per
tree. Indeed, any remaining tree of this stature could be considered priceless.
A few of these true masterpieces remain.
Some of the things which qualify these bonsai as treasures are swirling
ancient jin and shari, naturally polished by the elements through the
decades, and tight clouds of tiny buds on beautifully ramified
branches--these characteristics are visible to the naked eye. However;
spirit, power, grace and other mysterious and mystical attributes are felt
rather than seen. These are qualities found only in ancient, collected trees.
It should be noted that there are masterpiece yamadori (mountain grown)
junipers in the United States. World-class bonsai have been collected from
and still exist in the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains. Some
of these trees are hundreds of years old. Western America is one
of the last frontiers for the world's most venerable trees. This
frontier must be honored, and we caution anyone who wishes to
follow in the master collectors' footsteps to go responsibly,
knowledgably, and legally. This safeguards you, the environment,
and the health and future of these ancient treasures.
A perfectly wonderful Shimpaku Juniper can be discovered at a bonsai nursery or local garden center. Remember
what Duke Ellington said about music, ÒIf it sounds good, it is good.Ó So if you think a specimen looks healthy, it
probably is healthy. Even so, ask a lot of questions of the vendor: when was it last transplanted, what temperatures
has it been in for the last few weeks, etc. If they cannot answer your questions sufficiently, look elsewhere.
Once you determine that the tree is healthy, look for:
- Lots of well placed branching
- Strong (not too thick) surface roots at the base of the trunk
- Even, natural taper to the trunk and branches
- Foliage that is close to the trunk, and overall good form
Shimpaku can be successfully trained in any bonsai style. Naturally, for a cascade or semi-cascade you want a tree
with the trunk already growing downward.
Transplant and root prune when the tree is at its strongest. Shimpaku are at their strongest when new buds start
breaking out all over the tree. Here in New England, the most opportune time to transplant is April through June,
and again in August. Use well-draining bonsai soil. A mix recommended for conifers is best.
All junipers thrive in full sun and the shimpaku is no exception, unless of course you have recently transplanted it,
or the tree is not acclimated to sun. In this case, you must introduce it slowly.
When you consider that their natural habitat is the sunny, windy and (in winter) very cold cliffs in the mountains
of Japan, then you can feel comfortable about putting your shimpaku bonsai out on the deck for the summer, and
in a cold but protected place for the winter. Shimpaku should not be grown indoors.
Feed regularly from spring through summer with organic pellets.
Watch for spider mites. These tiny sucking insects may leave a dense web on the top of the foliage. Spider mites can
appear overnight and must be treated.
Shimpaku are prone to fungus if they are weak and/or not in the proper
environment. Liquid copper is an acceptable fungicide.
A healthy bonsai in the right environment is much more resistant to
pests and diseases. Keep the tree clean of old needles and the top soil
free of weeds, and wash the foliage down with a water sprayer
occasionally.
To form the cloud-like pads of foliage so characteristic of fine
shimpaku, you can scissor-prune the foliage to a compact
pad in early Spring. Do this only once, only on very strong
bonsai, and not too early in the season. Continue to fingerpinch
thereafter to maintain compactness and promote
fullness. Prune any needles growing downward on
the branches.
Make sure all the foliage has access to as much
sun and air as possible. This maintains tight
growth. As Roy Nagatoshi says, you have to
ÒchaseÓ the foliage back into the branch. You do
not want to let the branches get too leggy.
Shimpaku can be wired for shape. Always remove the wire before it begins
to cut into the bark.
Creating driftwood (jin and shari) can add a dynamic element
to your shimpaku. Use lime sulphur to treat the deadwood. The
bleached white driftwood, the lush green foliage and rich red bark,
will complement one another to reveal a beautiful bonsai.
It may not be an ancient collected tree, but it will have character and
it will be a great start.
Some information for this article was taken
from The Shimpaku Juniper: Its Secret History. Kindai
Bonsai Magazine. English translation WBFF 2003.
