Shimpaku Juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Shimpaku')
 
Shimpaku is a bonsai staple—a naturally compact juniper with soft, scale-like foliage, flexible branches, and the ability to form deadwood (jin and shari) that looks ancient even when young. It’s native to Japan and has been cultivated for centuries, cherished for its balance of vigor and refinement.
 
As a Bonsai:
Few trees take to bonsai training as well as Shimpaku. It wires beautifully, responds well to pruning, and develops tight foliage pads with age. The bark peels cleanly to expose dramatic deadwood features, making it a favorite for literati, cascade, and informal upright styles. Perfect for beginners and experts alike.
 
📢 This is a cold-hardy species—it requires a winter dormancy and should be kept outside year-round. In locations with extreme cold, we recommend placing it on the ground, mulching around the pot, and protecting it from wind.
 
Plant Features:
Hardiness Zone: 4–9 (cold-hardy and requires winter dormancy)
Growth Habit: Compact, upright to semi-cascading; naturally sculptural
Mature Size: 3–5 ft in the landscape; kept much smaller in bonsai
Foliage: Soft, scale-like green foliage; tight and easy to pad out with training
Trunk & Bark: Reddish-brown bark that exfoliates easily to reveal dramatic deadwood
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-draining, gritty bonsai soil
Water Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent watering but does not tolerate soggy soil
Pests/Disease: Generally tough, but can attract spider mites if too dry
Special Features: Extremely responsive to styling, ideal for jin/shari work, widely used in high-level bonsai