Advice on first flowering specimen

[RODERLO]

Dear Bnutters,

Though I own a decent amount of different species I don't yet have a flowering tree yet.
The missus keeps asking 'when will you buy a flowering bonsai, instead of all the Christmas tree looking ones?'
I literally own only one spruce, but apparently Taxus, Cedrus, Mugo and Chameacyparis are all christmas trees as well.

So here I am, looking for my first flowering specimen - and yes, I secretly want one too...
However, what I struggle to decide on is which flowering bonsai will suit my particular conditions best.

Here's what I am working with:

1. Winter conditions
I mostly lack any sort of shelter during winter, apart from a small shed with only a small window.
It can house maybe a handful of trees, but only no evergreens as the light is too poor.
So all my trees need to be okay with just being taken off the bench and sitting on the ground for overwintering.

2. Water conditions
Secondly, the house is a rental with galvanised rainpipes. Therefore I am unable to install a rain reservoir.
This means I have been using the moderately hard (8,8dH) tap water for watering.

3. Direct sunlight
Giving direction of my garden (north west), there is virtually no morning sun available.
When the sun has just passed south, it starts to hit the garden from the side.
So I only have the most intense window of sunlight available to work with.
I can put trees close to the fencing if they need shade, but this means they're in full shade all day.
There is no dappled shade in my garden.

I love Azaleas, but their need for acidic conditions and lack of winter hardiness makes me doubt they'd do well.

I'd appreciate your suggestions as to what flowering species would be better suited for my conditions, if there are any.
Thank you!

 

[sevan]

Maybe a hawthorn? I don't have one, but I like them and I think they are common in your area.

 

[Colorado]

I’ve got a lilac that I really like. Winter hardy and can take some direct sun. I don’t think any deciduous/flowering trees would “prefer” afternoon sun versus morning sun, but I think lilac is pretty tough. And smells incredible when in bloom!

Then you’ve got all the various prunus species that might work in your conditions, too. Same for apple/crabapple.

Just a few options to consider

 

[RODERLO]

Maybe a hawthorn? I don't have one, but I like them and I think they are common in your area.

You’re right that definitely goes on the list, thanks!

I’ve got a lilac that I really like. Winter hardy and can take some direct sun. I don’t think any deciduous/flowering trees would “prefer” afternoon sun versus morning sun, but I think lilac is pretty tough. And smells incredible when in bloom!

Then you’ve got all the various prunus species that might work in your conditions, too. Same for apple/crabapple.

Just a few options to consider

Had to google Lilac, but that is a really nice species! Really seems to suit my conditions as well.
Prunus is nice too I agree, it’s just a shame that it blooms so early in the year when the weather is crap and you’re only outside to do the bare necessities.
Thanks!

 

[vp999]

I think azaleas will do just fine in your climate, I am in the same zone 7 here in the US and we get down to 5-10 degrees here on certain days in some winters and my mulched azaleas in the bonsai pots were fine. Growing it in kanuma should take care of the acidity part, to me azaleas are one if the easiest species to keep. Good luck!

 

[Paradox]

Chinese Quince should also do fine in your area.

 

[RODERLO]

I think azaleas will do just fine in your climate, I am in the same zone 7 here in the US and we get down to 5-10 degrees here on certain days in some winters and my mulched azaleas in the bonsai pots were fine. Growing it in kanuma should take care of the acidity part, to me azaleas are one if the easiest species to keep. Good luck!

If that’s the case I might reconsider Azalea.
Is kanuma alone really enough to offset the alkaline tap water? That would be great if true.

Chinese Quince should also do fine in your area.

Good one! The flaking bark on those is terrific.

 

[MHBonsai]

Crabapple may be a good option.

 

[Shibui]

crab apple flower easily and profusely. They don't ramify as well as many other species but profuse flowering seems to make up for that.
Azalea flower profusely and ramify very well. Provided conditions are suitable they are very easy and look good all year. Acid fertiliser can offset your high pH water.
Chinese quince also don't ramify easily. Shoots grow inward and downward just a easily as out and up making branch development a challenge. I had difficulty getting flowers on Chinese quince. Takes quite a few years and then flowering is sparse and sporadic.

I'd certainly recommend crab apple and azaleas.

 

[penumbra]

Flower Crab, Cherry, Hawthorne, Japanese Quince, Chinese Quince, Crepe Myrtle, Azalea, all all good in your climate. There are others of course, but I think everyone should have these.

 

[Paradox]

For a first flowering tree, I'd recommend azalea. You can do things to fix your alkaline pH issue. Putting in Kanuma soil is one, using fertilizer for acid loving trees is another I would recommend. Also there are products you can add to the water to lower the pH when you water the tree

 

[RODERLO]

Thanks everyone, that’s super helpful!

I’m hoping to make it work with azalea, but other species mentioned here good candidates too.
Definitely leaning towards a better ramifying species, because I also want to enjoy the structure of the tree when it’s not in bloom.

 

[gooeytek]

I second azaleas and rhododendrons, there are some rhododendron varieties that are small-leaved with frost-hardy flowers even.

 

[Gabler]

Don't forget Styrax and Stewartia spp.

 

[Nybonsai12]

If it's strictly flowers you are after, azaleas and Ume are the only flowering species worth keeping if you can make it work.

Sure other species have flowers, but azalea and Ume are the top dawgs.

 

[SgtPilko]

I think a bit of good news in northern europe for azaleas is that although our tap water is often hard the rain is slightly acidic, and the rain does half my watering like the others say, kanuma and fertiliser helps too. Satsuki probably worth giving a try, unless your winters get super harsh. I put mine in the shed if -3 or worse is forecast overnight. I also have chosen the more "northern" narrow leaf varieties, maybe that helps

 

[Empty Mountain]

I second azaleas and rhododendrons, there are some rhododendron varieties that are small-leaved with frost-hardy flowers even.

Which rhododendron varieties would you recommend?

 

[gooeytek]

Which rhododendron varieties would you recommend?

take your pick from these:

https://www.gardenia.net/guide/hardiest-azaleas-and-rhododendrons

I have an Impeditum coming, and that's also good for your region, I believe.
It has very small leaves, but is also very slow-growing. It can be left outdoors in a pot though, properly mulched in winter.

 

[vp999]