A good starter tree for desert climate?

[Emmaface]

My first juniper that I got from a street vendor - it kicked the bucket. Had the radish. It died. Thanks again to all who gave me some guidance with my first little tree.

Now, I've got this pretty blue pot and nothing to put in it!


I'm really excited to try again - with a tree from a reputable dealer this time. I haven't found a local bonsai nursery, the only place I've seen bonsai in El Paso is Home Depot. And they look awfully sad and pathetic.

I'd like to buy online from either Dallas Bonsai or Brussels Bonsai, but there are so many choices, I'm not sure which direction I'd like to go in. I would try a juniper again, but I'd also really love to try something with flowers. I believe on another one of my threads, someone said white flowers would go beautifully with the pot I have.

Before I pick something, I'd love to hear your expert opinions, particularly anyone who lives in a hot dry climate like me. I'm sure there are some trees that can thrive better than others in this scorching sun. Any suggestions, anyone?

 

[KennedyMarx]

Bougainvillea would probably do well where you're at. How cold does it get during your winters?

 

[Judge]

Why not try something that grows naturally in your area.

 

[bonsaiBlake]

Mesquite. Local and can be started from seed easily.

 

[Skinnygoomba]

Would Lignum Vitea be a good species to bonsai in the desert?

 

[QuintinBonsai]

Pomegranate, olive, japanese black pine, pinyon pine, sage, tamarix, Natal plum, California juniper, and even bald cypress if kept well watered can survive in desert climates.

 

[timetravel_0]

You're about the same as my climate.

I'm starting out too, and have killed some things.

Junipers are iffy, I have two surviving now, but I've had two die too.

Boxwoods can take the heat and dryness.

Bougainvillea do just fine.

The local nursery has no problems keeping azaleas alive, not even covered with shade cloth.

My next step is going to be an olive.

 

[James H]

Maybe take a weekend and head over to Alpine or road trip over to New Mexico and look for some wild juniper? I want to go back to Arizona and look for an Alligator Juniper. I have always liked the way they look.

 

[Emmaface]

Bougainvillea would probably do well where you're at. How cold does it get during your winters?

It doesn't usually get much below freezing. Once in a while it'll dip down into the teens for a day or two, but that's very rare. We maybe get 1/2" to 1" of snow once or twice a winter, if any snow at all.

I like the idea of bougainvillea, I think I'll look into that more.

Thank you all for the suggestions!

 

[Poink88]

It doesn't usually get much below freezing. Once in a while it'll dip down into the teens for a day or two, but that's very rare. We maybe get 1/2" to 1" of snow once or twice a winter, if any snow at all.

I like the idea of bougainvillea, I think I'll look into that more.

Thank you all for the suggestions!

If you go with bougainvillae, remember that they do not like freezing temps and need to be sheltered.

We probably have somewhat similar weather and boxwood works really well here. So does junipers, crape myrtle, olive, cedar elm, bald cypress, live oak, and yaupon holly.

 

[Nybonsai12]

Although not the best bonsai subject, portalucaria afra or elephant bush would probably do well for you. I think it is a good beginner species and they like the heat.

Would need to come inside for cold temps though.

 

[Seraphim01]

I'm in odessa Tx and so far I've done really well with mimosa trees. And willow. They love this climate. My other trees however do not. I'm trying to get help with them at the momment too. I moved here from Austin where they flourished now they are just sad and bald. I had to bring them inside and keep them at a bright window. Even then I know they aren't at their full potential but they are trying. Even my aloe are having a hard time. I do have some bougenvillea outside tho and they love it also wisteria and plumeria.

 

[BeepBeepBonsaiSheep]

I’m in zone 8a too

Bougainvillea are good, but they don’t like to be below freezing

P afra is good, but doesn’t care for freezing. However, mine sat out all winter and were just fine. Mine were on our covered patio and the dog’s water bowl got a layer of ice a few times. Just water once a week to two weeks during winter

Some boxwoods do fine with heat

Mesquite trees are easy to start from seed. I got 20 of them almost 3mos old. Just nick the seed with a utility knife. I started mine in a towel and they sprouted in 2 days. They’d do fine with planting straight into soil

Mondell/ Afghan pines are very heat tolerant, but not sure how well they do for bonsai. I had 5 I dug up from a trailer park, but they’ve slowly been picked off due to too much water, then too hot with little water (115F), a dog chewing on one, and one from over fertilization. I have one left and it might be going down hill from previous over fertilization. Luckily, the nursery has them on sale!

Lastly, check your local nursery. Big box stores are hit or miss. An actual nursery will have better zone appropriate stock. See what you like, make notes, research them, and wait for sales. That’s what I do

 

[Forsoothe!]

Texas Sage, Texas Ebony, Sweet Acacia, Mesquite, Desert Fern or Featherbush, Ficus 'Too Little', Desert Rose, Portulacaria.