Why Traditional Procumbens Nana Juniper is My Absolute Favorite Bonsai
And Why It Should Be Yours Too
# Why Procumbens Nana Juniper is My Absolute Favorite Bonsai (And Why It Should Be Yours Too!)
*By Jeremy "The Bonsai Boy" - Superior Bonsai*
Let me tell you about my love affair with one of the most underappreciated gems in the bonsai world: the **Juniperus procumbens 'Nana'**. While everyone's chasing after the flashy maples and pines, I'm over here absolutely smitten with this humble, hardy little warrior that never fails to deliver.
## Meet the Procumbens Nana: The People's Champion
First things first - let's get the name straight. *Juniperus procumbens* 'Nana' translates roughly to "dwarf sprawling juniper," which sounds way less exciting than it actually is. Think of it as the golden retriever of the bonsai world: friendly, reliable, adaptable, and absolutely gorgeous when you give it the attention it deserves.
This Japanese native is what I like to call a "gateway bonsai" - perfect for beginners but sophisticated enough to keep masters engaged for decades. I've seen customers name their trees (shoutout to Fred!), and honestly, these junipers have enough personality to deserve proper names.
## Why I'm Head-Over-Heels for This Tree
### 1. **It's Practically Indestructible**
Look, I'm going to be real with you. We've all killed plants. But procumbens nana? This little tank can handle more abuse than a Nokia phone from the 2000s. Forgot to water for a few days? No problem. Accidentally left it in full sun during a heat wave? It'll bounce back. It's like having a bonsai with training wheels that never come off.
### 2. **Year-Round Beauty**
While deciduous trees are having their dramatic seasonal mood swings, procumbens nana is out here being consistently gorgeous. That blue-green foliage with hints of silver? *Chef's kiss.* In winter, it develops this beautiful bronze-purple coloring that makes other evergreens look boring by comparison.
### 3. **The Growth Pattern is Pure Art**
Here's where it gets exciting for us bonsai nerds. The natural sprawling, cascading growth habit of procumbens nana makes it perfect for windswept, cascade, and informal upright styles. It literally wants to look like a tiny ancient tree that's been battling coastal winds for centuries. Mother Nature did half the styling work for us!
### 4. **Those Tiny, Perfect Needles**
The scale is just *right*. The needles are small enough to maintain proper proportion even on shohin-sized trees, but substantial enough that the tree doesn't look wimpy. Plus, they're arranged in these beautiful spiral patterns that catch light in the most incredible ways.
## The Fun Technical Stuff (Don't Worry, I'll Keep It Interesting)
**Growth Rate**: Moderate - fast enough to see progress, slow enough that you won't be constantly chasing runaway branches.
**Styling Options**: This is where procumbens nana really shines. Want a dramatic windswept look? Perfect. Elegant cascade flowing over a rock? Absolutely. Traditional informal upright? You got it. It's like the Swiss Army knife of bonsai styling.
**Care Level**: Beginner to intermediate. Honest truth? If you can keep a houseplant alive, you can successfully grow this tree.
**Wiring**: Takes wire beautifully and holds its shape well. The branches are flexible enough for dramatic bends but strong enough not to snap if you're having an overzealous styling session.
## My Pro Tips for Procumbens Nana Success
1. **Light**: Give it bright light, but it can handle some shade. Think "bright office window" rather than "surface of the sun."
2. **Water**: Keep it consistently moist but not soggy. I tell customers to think of it like a sponge - damp, not dripping.
3. **Fertilizer**: Feed it regularly during growing season. These trees are hungry for success!
4. **Pruning**: Here's the fun part - you can be pretty aggressive with pruning. It responds by getting denser and more beautiful. It's like the tree equivalent of "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
## The Real Reason It's My Favorite
Beyond all the technical advantages, here's the truth: procumbens nana has given me more "wow" moments than any other species. Watching a customer's face light up when they see their first successful styling, or getting a text three months later showing off healthy new growth - that's the good stuff right there.
These trees have personality. They develop character. They become part of the family. (I mean, who doesn't love a tree named Fred?)
Ready to Fall in Love?
If you're thinking about starting your bonsai journey, or you're a seasoned grower looking for something reliable and rewarding, do yourself a favor and give procumbens nana a shot. Come by Superior Bonsai and let me show you why this humble little juniper has completely stolen my heart.
Trust me, once you go procumbens nana, you never go back.
Jeremy "The Bonsai Boy" has been growing and styling bonsai for over 15 years and is the owner of Superior Bonsai. When he's not talking someone's ear off about juniper care, you can find him experimenting with new styling techniques or rescuing trees from spider mite invasions.