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This is how you propagate plants into cute mini-trees

Garden

Do you have limited space in your garden or on your windowsill? Do you grow plants on a balcony or in a greenhouse? If so, then trained plants of various kinds are perfect. In recent years, these small mini trees have become increasingly popular, and it's easy to see why - not only are they beautiful to look at, they are also quite easy to create yourself. Here we tell you how. Rose bushes, lilacs, daisies, geraniums, coleus, azaleas, hibiscus, fuchsias, lavender, citrus, and many berry bushes are among the plants that can easily be turned into small bonsai-like trees. Training plants to have a trunk is relatively easy, and the result often looks surprisingly professional. Moreover, the trees become more beautiful with each passing day. Fuchsia is an example of a plant that is easy to succeed with, and becomes more and more beautiful over time.

This is how you propagate plants into cute mini-trees
Liselotte Roll
Written by: Liselotte Roll

Swedish garden inspirer, journalist and author of books about nature, cultivation and animals, such as "Soil", "Grow for insects" and "Chickens as a hobby".

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Plant propagation made easy

Start by selecting a strong shoot that grows upwards, and support it with a stick that goes all the way up through the crown - the stick can be as long as you want the tree to eventually become. Then, trim away other shoots and leaves along the main stem, leaving only the leaves at the very top. Simply remove any new shoots that appear along the stem. As the plant gets older, the stem will become stronger. When the stem has reached the height you want after a while, you can top the plant. This will make the crown fuller. Use sharp pruning shears for a quicker healing of the cut. The crown will become more lush and dense if you prune the plant regularly. Tip! If the crown becomes too big or sparse over time, you can trim it or let the branches become longer and hang down towards the ground like a weeping willow.

Plants that can easily be thinned out

Laburnum, sumac, dwarf iris, crabapple, gooseberry, currants, roses, maple, grafted cherry, lavender, rosemary, fig, coleus, tear, various types of citrus

This is how you care for potted plants in the winter

Small trees in pots look great on the balcony or terrace, they also have the advantage of being able to be moved around as needed. However, if you have tall plants in a pot, you should protect the pot from frost in the winter, for example by moving it into a shed or garage or to a warm and protected outdoor location. The pot itself can also be insulated for extra protection against frost.,,Tall winter-hardy trees planted in the ground withstand the cold better, but usually benefit from a little extra care in the winter months. Plant the mini tree in a sheltered area from the wind, and cover it with burlap, pine branches, or similar when the weather is at its coldest.,,Many tall trees quickly turn into decorative silhouettes in the garden when frost arrives. If you want to highlight them a little more, you can decorate the crown with fairy lights when the evenings get dark.

Create mini versions of trees

Cherry, pear, and many other fruit trees can be trained and turned into mini trees. This also makes it easier to pick the berries or fruits. Other trees, like maple and small magnolias, are also suitable for training. Preferably choose small and slow-growing varieties. A tree, or a bush, that already resembles what you are trying to create is easier to shape. It is best to choose a specimen that already has a clear stem or trunk growing straight upward, making the job easier.

Utilize the space below the raised plants

When you thin out plants, the ground underneath gets more sun. Take the opportunity to plant flowers or bulb plants underneath them, or how about a magical moss? Only imagination sets limits.

WRITTEN BY

Liselotte Roll, Swedish garden inspirator, journalist and author of books about nature, cultivation and animals, such as "Earth", "Cultivate for Insects" and "Chickens as a Hobby".
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Garden

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This is how you propagate plants into cute mini-trees | Plantagen