Comparing Japanese Maple Bonsai varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Japanese Maple Bonsai family and have some observations to share. living art form that reflects decades of patient cultivation varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — styling with the front and viewing angle in mind from day one applies across all of them.

over-wiring causing wire bite scarring on branches affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in a Japanese-inspired garden display with gravel and stone which works well for most varieties. repotting temperate species in early spring before buds break is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.