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The blue Japanese maple tree is a popular subject of discussion among gardeners and landscape professionals alike. The tree is known for its stunning foliage, but what’s lesser known is whether or not it exists at all.
In this article, we’ll explore the truth behind the blue Japanese maple tree and provide some tips on how to identify the species if you happen to find one in your neighborhood.
Does the Blue Japanese Maple Tree Exist?
No, the Blue Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree does not exist. Some people might use “blue” as a catchall term for certain varieties of maple trees with vibrant foliage colors like purple, pink, and silver. But a true blue Japanese maple wouldn’t exist – at least not yet.
At present, there are no known varieties of blue Japanese maples. It isn’t impossible for them to develop over time; however, it would probably take generations of careful genetic manipulation in order for this to occur. So for now, if someone claims they have a true blue Japanese maple tree in their garden, chances are it isn’t actually true blue.
What Does Blue Japanese Blue Maple Tree Look Like?
Horticultural experts generally agree that true Blue Japanese maple trees remain something mythical since no true species or healthy subcultures actually exist yet with consistent coloration. Aesthetically speaking, however, photographs tend to depict shallow “midnight-tone” bluish foliage with paler purplish petioles connecting deeply incised midsections at tips.
If ever a real one were identified en masse then such traits should remain consistent across numerous phenotypes grown by growers worldwide in order to assure purity and marketable beauty.
Any suspicions regarding malformation via grafting or poor philipinity should be evaluated prior to purchasing live plants destined for commercial applications within parks or ornamental gardens.
Why Do So Many Blue Japanese Maple Trees Exist Online?
The blue Japanese maple tree is one of the most used images in popular culture, often romanticized as a symbol of tranquility and calm. Many people are drawn to it because of its unique beauty and mysterious origins. But why are there so many blue Japanese maple trees out there online?
Although there are countless pictures online which depict vibrant blue Japanese Maple bonsai trees, the fact is that no such tree actually exists. While some varieties may have slight variations in color, the truth is that all native species have green leaves.
The majority of images you find depicting lush shades of blue with intricate leaf veins come from digital manipulations – they’re either edited or photoshopped Images!
There are several reasons why an image like this can spread so quickly across the web; for starters, it undeniably makes for a stunning visual – especially when combined with other aspects like potential symbolism or cultural significance.
Additionally, many people simply don’t realize that these images aren’t real – meaning they can be circulated without people ever knowing (or caring) about their authenticity. As such, this image has become an easy way to generate likes and shares – something that typically isn’t true of traditional photographs!
So Who Created the First Blue Japanese Maple Tree?
While we don’t know who was responsible for creating the first false image of a blue Japanese maple, we do know that it has become an increasingly popular motif in digital art and design. Even if the true source remains unknown, one thing is for certain: It started as nothing more than a creative vision put forth by someone on the Internet – and will continue to live on as a classic online phenomenon.
Can You Get Blue Leaves On Your Own Bonsai Tree?
If you’ve bought into any promises made by sellers who claim you will have a blue bonsai tree once your order arrives, alas, it won’t be true! Unfortunately, there is no variety that actively produces dark-hued foliage (at least not any known ones).
However with enough dedication and care over time, one might develop some slight variations in color– but nothing close to what you see in the doctored photographs!
What Are Some Real Alternatives To Blue Japanese Maple Bonsai Tree?
The bonsai tree is a beloved symbol of nature, beauty, and peace. Perhaps the most iconic type of bonsai is the blue Japanese maple bonsai tree.
It’s no wonder why- with its gentle, almost ethereal color that symbolizes deep oceans and tranquil skies, it serves as a reminder of the beauty we can find in life.
Unfortunately, as you know now, it’s not real.
But if you’re looking for something different or maybe even a little more daring, there are plenty of other types of plants you can use to have beautiful bonsai trees in your home.
Here are some real alternatives to blue Japanese maple bonsai trees:
“Purple Ghost” Japanese Maple Tree
The “Purple Ghost” Acer palmatum is an upright deciduous maple tree originally grown in Japan. It has striking purple-purple leaves that turn scarlet red in fall. The bark of mature trees gives them an almost ghostly, transparent appearance from which the name is derived.
The Purple Ghost Japanese Maple grows best in full sun but will tolerate light shade as well when given adequate moisture and protection from heat and wind. Its branches are fragile and slender making it perfect for styling as a bonsai tree.
The Purple Ghost Japanese Maple is perfect for shaping into a unique bonsai shape because of its attractive leaves, petite mature size, delicate buds, colorful foliage, small root system, and slow growth rate.
Plus, its ability to develop a thick trunk quickly even at a young age makes it ideal for training in an interesting upright style with winding branches and picturesque curves that you would normally see in miniature trees found on cliffs or rocks in nature scenes.
Additionally, this tree can be planted indoors or kept outdoors all year long with proper protection depending on your interests or preferences – all of which make it a perfect bonsai specimen!
Care Tips:
- Keep soil most throughout summer months when temperatures spike; water regularly but avoid overwatering (soil should be moist but not wet).
- During winter months provide adequate light by placing it near a bright east-facing window; supplement sunlight with artificial grow light if needed during dark days (check daily).
- Remove any dead foliage at the base of trunks after the flowering period ends in late winter/early spring; this will help encourage new growth heading into the summertime months.
Japanese White Birch
With its light gray bark and small leaves, this plant has an airy feel about it, making it perfect for smaller homes or offices. Its size also makes it easy to prune into desired shapes.
The great thing about this species is that it can adapt to many different types of environments, so you won’t need to worry about finding specific soil conditions or lighting levels for it to flourish.
Care Tips:
- Choose the Right Location: The Japanese White Birch needs to be planted in an area with plenty of sun exposure and good drainage. Make sure to avoid planting near pavement or other obstructions that can limit root growth and cause tree stress. Moist soil is also essential, so consider incorporating compost into the soil ahead of time for extra moisture retention capabilities.
- Prune Occasionally: The Japanese White Birch should receive minimal pruning unless dead branches need removing or shaping up is desired. However, it never hurt any woody plant species to receive occasional light routine haircuts either scheduled once every 1-3 years. Just make sure pruning cuts are always made using clean sanitary knife blades to ascertain no raggedy torn tearing.
Chinese Juniper Bonsai
If you’re looking for something bolder than the Blue Japanese Maple Tree but still holds a hint of elegance then this would be an ideal choice. Its bright green leaves and rough grey bark provide contrast against a black pot which gives sophistication to whichever room you place it in.
This species likes direct sunlight and doesn’t require much maintenance which makes them very low maintenance which consequently is what most people look for when getting a plant!
Care Tips:
- Choose the Right Pot: The pot in which you plant your Chinese Juniper Bonsai plays an important role in the health of your bonsai. Choose an appropriate size for the specimen; usually 4-6 inches for seedlings or saplings, and 6-8 inches for larger-sized trees.
- Keep It Outdoors: Chinese juniper responds best when kept outdoors so make sure it gets plenty of sunlight, from four to six hours per day. You don’t want a pot that gets too much sun exposure though, since it can dry out too fast and cause the leaves to burn. The best place is one with partial shade – such as under a porch or near a window
- Water Regularly: It’s important to keep your Chinese juniper well hydrated, but don’t overwater it either. Water when the soil is mostly dry down about 1 inch or 2 cm deep into the potting mix; young trees will need more frequent watering than older ones because their roots are shallower and they take up more water quickly.
Purple Wisteria Bonsai
If you truly want something majestic then this would be your choice! These gorgeous lavender-colored flowers bloom in late spring and usually last until mid-summer making them quite popular amongst those who love vibrant colors within their homes but will still remain subtle enough not to overpower other elements in their environment.
The pruning must be done regularly but with proper care, it’ll still last generations through cuttings from the main branches!
This type of Bonsai comes from deep-rooted Chinese ancestry and although commonly used within furniture designs one should consider their own living space if decorating so as not to take away from other features already present!
Care Tips:
- Provide Adequate Sunlight: Purple Wisteria Bonsai will do best when positioned in bright indirect light or even direct morning sun. They are sun-loving plants like their full-size cousins so adequate sunlight is essential for them to thrive and bloom profusely every year. Place it in an area free from strong winds as this can cause undue stress on the miniature tree.
- Fertilize Appropriately: Using acidic fertilizer specifically designed for flowering plants can be beneficial because Purple Wisteria Bonsais require fertilizer that has a potassium content higher than nitrogen content. Fertilizing twice monthly during summer months should keep your bonsai looking its best.
Japanese Red Maple
For those who want something similar yet completely unique at the same time should consider owning one of these Red Maple Trees!
Its intense ruby-red color looks incredibly dynamic next to white containers – whilst also providing eye-catching visuals outside near patio settings during Spring & Summer season
Pruning wise they don’t require too much work! Watering however must be done consistently as they tend to dry out quickly – especially if living inside without direct access outdoors (natural light).
Care Tips:
- Water Regularly: A regular water source is essential for the healthy growth of the Japanese Red Maple Tree. Depending on soil type, climate conditions, and time of year, you will need to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. In dry periods it’s particularly important to ensure your trees get enough H2O. Additionally, adding mulch around each individual tree can help protect against excessive water or temperatures while keeping weeds away from its base.
- Prevent Pests & Disease: Japanese Red Maples are naturally resistant to many diseases common among other ornamental trees such as Dutch elm disease and powdery mildew. However, vigilance is still key for proper maintenance and avoidance of any unexpected attacks from uninvited plant guests.
Hydrangea
The Hydrangea belongs to the family of flowering plants native to Japan, China, and other parts of Eastern Asia. They usually come in several popular shades such as pink, blue, violet, white, and green.
The color of these hydrangeas can often change depending on various environmental factors due to their special plant structure – something that many bonsai enthusiasts find intriguing when selecting it as a species for their collection!
This attractive shrub is perfect for growing as a bonsai because it flourishes under cooler temperatures. Thus making it suitable for outdoor environments where natural elements such as sunlight and humidity can do wonders for its leaves and bloomings during spring or summer months.
Plus, with comprehensive pruning techniques being used – like wiring or defoliation – skilled practitioners can mold these plants into impressive shapes before they flower up each season.
Care Tips:
- Watering: Be sure not to over-water your Hydrangea bonsai tree – water thoroughly two times a week during dry seasons in order to avoid a drooping effect on its leaves when lacking moisture content
- Sunlight: If kept indoors ensure direct morning or afternoon light hits those branches for about 4-5 hours every day.
- Transplanting: Repotting should be done twice yearly (spring & late summer) during the dormant period.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDAJf1zSezs
Azalea
Azaleas belong to Rhododendron family, subfamily Ericoideae, which includes both deciduous azaleas (Rhododendron luteum) and evergreen azalea (Rhododendron kiusianum). They are shrubs with glossy green leaves that produce rose-like blooms in different colors like white, pink or red depending on their species. The bloom period can range from two weeks up until two-and-a-half months.
The Azalea is an excellent choice when you are creating a Bonsai garden because they are very popular due to their long bloom time and bright colors. Additionally, their roots require regular pruning so they can thrive in containers making them well-suited as a Bonsai specimen.
When caring for an Azalea Bonsai, make sure to watch out for signs of disease such as powdery mildew or root rot which can damage its health. To minimize these risks, ensure that your plant always has enough air circulation by avoiding overcrowding it in its container.
Care Tips:
- Water regularly with room temperature water so that its soil does not dry out then adding a well-drained soil mix helps maintain adequate moisture in the root zone area.
- Make sure not to place an Azalea under direct sunlight because too much exposure may burn its leaves or cause yellowing of its foliage However if placed outside ensure you bring it back inside during cold weather.
- Fertilize every two weeks using organic fertilizer; this will make sure that there’s enough nutrition for it to grow well and produce abundant blossoms annually.
- Lastly, trim off dead flowers and dry shoots along with stems tangled around wire shaped into them periodically but make sure not over prune as its likely your plants won’t be able to survive extreme pruning
Bougainvillea
The Bougainvillea is a popular tropical vining evergreen native to Brazil in South America. It comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors including white, pink, orange, red, and purple. The colors are provided by its colorful papery bracts surrounding its flowers.
This spectacular showy flowering plant can reach up to 10ft tall when fully grown, making it ideal for creating high-impact displays when trained as a bonsai tree.
Bougainvilleas make superb bonsais due to their variety of sizes, from dwarf varieties that fit on small tables or shelves to large specimens with extensive root systems suitable for formal upright styles or even root-over-rock styles if desired.
Its amazing display of large showy flowers adds an exciting touch of color and beauty to any outdoor space.
With some patience and effort, it can be trained into round shapes or kept flat against vertical walls like ivy.
This makes it a great candidate for both outdoor terraces as well as indoors in front of windowsills or patios where they will reach their maximum flowering potential!
Care Tips:
- Provide your Bougainvillea with plenty of direct sun time. Without proper sunlight, your tree won’t flower properly and may become overly stressed
- Water thoroughly after planting; water more sparingly throughout the growing season but take care not to overwater
- Fertilize regularly throughout the growing season; use a balanced fertilizer formula such as 10-10-10 or 10-10-5
- Be vigilant about insect infestations or diseases; treat issues quickly before they damage your plant too badly
- Prune back shoots whenever needed for better shape control; doing so will help promote new shoots which create more blooms
- Remember that young plants may require extra attention during their first few months; this includes monitoring soil moisture levels carefully since young roots depend heavily on regular watering.
Final Word
Although there are no true blue Japanese maples yet, there are certainly some varieties that come as close as possible! Different varietals are noted by their unique leaves – purple-hued leaves belong to Acer palmatum variegata while reddish-purple leaves signify Acer palmatum Bloodgood. Silver prince is another variety distinguished by its silver-tinged leaves while Definiens has rosy pink foliage.
When attempting to identify any variety of the maple tree family in your own garden or neighborhood, consider these four factors: shape/size (large or small), leaf form/texture (lobed or smooth), fall color (brownish/orange or spring green) and bark texture (smooth or rugose).
Considering all these characteristics can help narrow down exactly which type of tree you may have lurking right outside your door!