By Andy Bello

There are many plant species that have been utilized for thousands of years for their medicinal and therapeutic properties. These species have not only been used for these potential properties, but also in an artistic way through natural arts such as bonsai and penjing. The art of penjing (tray landscape) has been practiced in China dating back to the Han and Qin Dynasties (221-220 BCE) (Zhao, 1997). As time went on and techniques and the practice of penjing continued to grow, the artform was adopted by the Japanese around 250 CE along with the religious practices of Taoism and Buddhism. It became known in Japan as bonsai, which means tray (bon) planting (sai). This is commonly mispronounced and confused with the word banzai, which is a cheer of enthusiasm. After WWII and the opening of Japan’s borders and culture to the western world, the practice and art of bonsai began to spread. This natural artform, which utilized plants native to the regions in which it was developed, evolved and continues to do so to this day. As more and more people in countries throughout the world learned the techniques and care for cultivation in containers, they began experimenting with species native to their environments. This has created many exciting and unfamiliar species that we can learn, share, grow, and play with to express ourselves artistically. 

There are countless species of plants with herbal uses that can and have been utilized for bonsai and penjing. An important, although not limiting, aspect of these artforms is that they both generally use woody plants that are long lived, i.e., trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial species that do not tend to die back to the root system in winter. This allows shaping of the woody tissue and maintenance of the foliage overtime to express our artistic vision with the chosen material. This should not be seen as a limitation, though, since plants such as chrysanthemums have been used, and their woody stems can survive for several years if properly protected over winter. 

One of the most popular genera–and its varying species–used throughout the history of the artform is Juniperus. Junipers have a wide range of herbal uses and create stunning and dramatic artistic specimens. They contain resinous wood that can last for many years and typically have deadwood features naturally or artificially formed. This creates interesting contrasts and shows the struggle of survival and resilience in the natural environment. In the photo above, the white sections are the deadwood treated with a lime sulfur solution to preserve and create more contrast with the living reddish brown tissue.

Another genus of trees commonly used is Fagus (beech). Japanese beech and European beech are typically preferred due to their genetically smaller leaves and smooth white bark. Fagus grandifolia, the American beech, is an interesting specimen for the artform and has medicinal value as well. This deciduous hardwood tree is long lived and has beautiful, smooth bark. When fine twigging through pruning techniques over time has been done, beech has a beautiful winter silhouette prized in bonsai and penjing. 

Plants used more commonly in herb gardens also make fascinating bonsai and penjing specimens. Rosemary has many good characteristics for the art form. It has a strong, woody stem that can survive for many years, interesting rough bark, flowers, and strong aromatics. 

Chrysanthemums have deep cultural and medicinal value and have been utilized throughout human history. Chrysanthemum bonsai are a great way for people to learn and enjoy the artform. A single plant propagated in mid-late winter can be trained and displayed flowering within a single year. Although, with a single woody stem and without proper winter care, they are not as long lived as the previously mentioned species. Regardless, they still make a wonderful flower-filled display.

To grow and maintain beautiful bonsai and penjing, one must understand the horticultural care and the training and shaping techniques. Horticultural care of bonsai and penjing–or any plant in a container–is a daily practice and requires dedication. The most important aspects of health are adequate sunlight, close monitoring of watering requirements, fertilization, pest and disease management, and hardiness. Any plant that one may choose to grow in a container has specific needs and requirements. Think about the environment from which that plant has evolved and is native to. Research its care and requirements before deciding to grow it in your own collection. 

The training and shaping techniques used in bonsai and penjing vary depending on your artistic vision for each individual specimen. It is up to each artist to decide how to use the proper training and shaping techniques, either individually or all together. Movement can be applied to the trunk and branching with two main techniques: the clip and grow method and the wiring method. In the clip and grow method, you allow the branch to grow and later cut back to a bud on that branch further in towards the trunk, let that newly selected bud develop into a branch, and repeat. Each cut back to a new bud will alter the direction of the branch and over time can create beautiful, angular, and natural feeling movement. In the wiring method, a shaping technique commonly used when training specimens, you apply annealed copper or aluminum wire around the branches to bend and hold them into desired positions. There are other, more advanced bending and shaping techniques that I encourage anyone interested in pursuing this artform to practice and to learn from professional workshops, demonstrations, books, and online content. 

I encourage everyone, if able, to at least give the art form a try by attending a beginner’s class or attempting on their own. If it is not something that you wish to commit to or continue doing, there are many fabulous public collections such as The National Bonsai & Penjing Museum located at the United States National Arboretum in Washington, DC, and throughout the world with many different species on display to enjoy.

More examples of bonsai in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum with herbal uses:

Medicinal Disclaimer: It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or an endorsement of any particular medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.

Photo Credits: 1) Thuja occidentalis (northern red cedar); 2) Juniperus virginiana (eastern white cedar); 3) Fagus grandifolia (American beech); 4) Salvia rosmarinus (syn. Rosmarinus officinalis) (rosemary); 5) Chrysanthemum (chrysanthemum); 5) bonsai wiring diagram; 6) Olea europaea (olive); 7) Plinia jaboticaba (jaboticaba). All photos courtesy of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum except #4 (Joseph L. Noga).

References

Valavanis, William N. 2022. Commemorative Album of the Seventh United States National Bonsai Exhibition. New York: International BONSAI, 47.

Zhao, Qingquan Zhao. 1997. Penjing: Worlds of Wonderment. A Journey Exploring an Ancient Chinese Art and Its History, Cultural Background, and Aesthetics. Athens, GA: Venus Communications LLC.

Andy Bello served as the First Curator’s Apprentice at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum before becoming Assistant Curator in 2020. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation and Management from the University of Arizona. While working in Oregon designing and installing native-focused landscapes, Andy discovered the art of bonsai and has never turned back.