Very new to bonsai... got a question

[Cynn]

Forgive me in advance for silly questions.
I went to a bonsai fair and fell in love. Well the other day I randomly purchased a few plants that were leftover in the nursery. (A juniper and this one I think is a snow rose)
I’m wondering is there a possible way to turn this plant into a bonsai? It’s pretty y’all so I know a lot of cutting will need to be done. But is it worth trying? Or should I not even try and purchase a much smaller plant?
I have tools I just purchased so I’m ready to try!! Any advice would be great!

 

[sorce]

Welcome to Crazy!

Not everything may turn into a "world class Bonsai", but Everything has potential to be a necessary part of a good display.

Sorce

 

[misfit11]

So I’m not familiar with Snow Rose but looked it up and found that Serissa sp. is called Snow Rose. If that’s what this is then definitely. Serissa is a popular bonsai species but is indoor I believe. I don’t do tropicals but have heard that it’s finicky.

If this is simply a Rose family thing (Rosaceae) then yes people use them as bonsai but they aren’t that common. For one thing, they have compound leaves which are difficult to work with as bonsai. If this is a true Rose then it would be a pass for me.

Go with Junipers (which it sounds like you did) , Elms, and maybe Maples. Junipers and Elms, like Chinese Elm are great for beginners because they are forgiving. Hope that helps. Good luck

 

[Cynn]

Awesome! Thanks for the advice!
I may just keep this as a potted plant. I think that’ll be best.
I’m in San Antonio Texas and this isn’t the best weather for finicky plants for sure.