Dormancy for deciduous trees in mild climates (Coastal SoCal)

[zeejet]

I've been trying to figure out exactly what species will thrive or tolerate my climate zone, which is 5 miles from the ocean in San Diego. Summer temps usually in the high 70's/low 80's and rarely hit 90F. Winter nights usually in the 45-50F range and rarely below 40F.

By all measure, most deciduous trees should struggle to enter proper dormancy here and yet some folks seem to think deciduous should be fine (albeit not the most vigorous). Has anyone here successfully grown deciduous bonsai in my kind of climate? If so, were there special considerations? I'm not keen on getting a refrigerator just for bonsai.

I know there are better species for my climate, but I really do prefer deciduous over all other others.

 

[Wulfskaar]

They should do just fine. I live up the coast but the climate is almost exactly the same.

We have some native deciduous trees like the Valley Oak. Also, look around... there are millions of planted deciduous trees all around, along streets, in parks, in yards, etc. The crape myrtles outside my work are just getting their leaves now.

I currently have some Japanese maples, deciduous oaks, Chinese elm, Siberian elm, Sweetgum, Japanese lilac, bald cypress, and more. They all lose their leaves in late fall and regrow them in spring.

 

[zeejet]

They should do just fine. I live up the coast but the climate is almost exactly the same.

We have some native deciduous trees like the Valley Oak. Also, look around... there are millions of planted deciduous trees all around, along streets, in parks, in yards, etc. The crape myrtles outside my work are just getting their leaves now.

I currently have some Japanese maples, deciduous oaks, Chinese elm, Siberian elm, Sweetgum, Japanese lilac, bald cypress, and more. They all lose their leaves in late fall and regrow them in spring.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

I suppose the best indicator is to simply keep trucking and see how they respond this fall and next spring. Just didn't want to waste time and energy, but I suppose it's all a learning experience either way.

 

[LuZiKui]

Also Coast Live Oak and Cork oak both thrive in SoCal. They won't necessarily lose all of their leaves each year but that might scratch your itch for deciduous.

Also, I know I've seen Ginkgos in some collections here in SoCal. I think you could make those work.

 

[zeejet]

Also Coast Live Oak and Cork oak both thrive in SoCal. They won't necessarily lose all of their leaves each year but that might scratch your itch for deciduous.

Also, I know I've seen Ginkgos in some collections here in SoCal. I think you could make those work.

I know Coast Live Oaks grow out here like weeds but still unsure of permitting and general guidelines for Yamadori. I need to find someone at my club who knows what they are doing.

 

[hardtimes]

Pomegranate is the best deciduous tree for socal imo. A lot of them work if you can give the right conditions. Japanese maples, Chinese elms, Korean hornbeam, Zelkova. Shade cloth and filtered water will go a long way. Pomegranate can take full sun and whatever water though, they are near effortless

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SoCalTrees?ref=cart_shop_name_click&cart_id=9707450533

These guys are from poway pretty close to you if you’re looking for starters

 

[zeejet]

Pomegranate is the best deciduous tree for socal imo. A lot of them work if you can give the right conditions. Japanese maples, Chinese elms, Korean hornbeam, Zelkova. Shade cloth and filtered water will go a long way. Pomegranate can take full sun and whatever water though, they are near effortless

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SoCalTrees?ref=cart_shop_name_click&cart_id=9707450533

These guys are from poway pretty close to you if you’re looking for starters

Thanks for the suggestion!

I'm looking for more mature pre-bonsai at this point (trunks 2+ inches) as I've accumulated about a dozen smaller trees (1/4" to 1.5" thick trunks), none of which are ready for late development or refinement and need at least another 5-10 years of growth before moving forward.

I think this is where things get difficult - there is no shortage of sources for small/young saplings/seedlings, but much harder to find good stock in mid to late development.

Field-grown tridents seem to be popular and a bit easier to come across but Korean Hornbeams with substantial trunks are much harder to find.

 

[hardtimes]

Thanks for the suggestion!

I'm looking for more mature pre-bonsai at this point (trunks 2+ inches) as I've accumulated about a dozen smaller trees (1/4" to 1.5" thick trunks), none of which are ready for late development or refinement and need at least another 5-10 years of growth before moving forward.

I think this is where things get difficult - there is no shortage of sources for small/young saplings/seedlings, but much harder to find good stock in mid to late development.

Field-grown tridents seem to be popular and a bit easier to come across but Korean Hornbeams with substantial trunks are much harder to find.

Yeah thats the way it is when ordering online. You'll have to visit bonsai nurseries in person, i'm not sure whats around you unfortunately.

Cedar Rose Nursery

Cedar Rose Nursery

cedarrosenursery.com

They have some pretty cool trident maples right now at 500$. san gabriel valley nursery has cork elms also pretty expensive. House of bonsai in lakewood has some japanese quince right now, not sure on the pricing. Both of those nurseries also has black pines ready for bonsai pots, though i think san gabriel has them for cheaper but smaller ofc. make sure to call ahead to see whats in stock so you dont waste your time if you do end up making the trip. Your local family owned landscape nursery should have good junipers, pomegranates, and olive trees for much cheaper. the one near me has good junipers with 3 inch trunks (although straightish) for 25$ or 40$ for a larger size. all the good stuff is going to be in person.

The lady at the house of bonsai said that they might have some korean hornbeam specimens floating around but I had to go and couldnt spend the time to go and see them