**Chinese Name: June Snow**
**Names:** Named after the summer flowers that resemble white snow.
**Alias:** White Horse, Spring Flowers
**Family:** Rubiaceae (Coffee Family)
**Origin:** Native to various provinces south of the Yangtze River in China.
**Morphological Characteristics:**
June Snow is an evergreen shrub with small, opposite, elliptical leaves that are slightly leathery, with a pointed tip and short petioles. The leaves often cluster at the ends of branches. Its stipules are membranous, wide at the base, and have bristles on top.
The flowers are small and white, resembling snowflakes, and bloom in June. They can be single or double-petaled. Some varieties have white-edged flowers or reddish tones. It’s best to propagate it in June or July for higher survival rates, making it popular among gardeners.
**Habits:**
This plant thrives in shade, is cold-resistant, and requires minimal care. It grows well in fertile sandy loam soil and is easy to maintain. It’s resistant to pests and diseases, making it ideal for hedges or bonsai.
When grown as a bonsai, it maintains a lush appearance year-round if kept moist. It prefers partial shade, avoids direct sunlight, and thrives in soft, well-draining soil. It’s known for its fine leaves, dense branches, thick trunks, and visible roots, making it one of the best bonsai materials.
The flexible branches allow for creative styling—straight, twisted, or even cliff-like. If placed in a tall pot, it can be trained into a hanging style. There are different types of cliff styles, such as semi-hanging, fully-hanging, and small overhangs.
**Cultivation Tips:**
Plant it in well-drained, fertile soil. Move it indoors in mid-October and keep the temperature between 10–15°C. Water once a week and remove shading in late April. Avoid over-fertilizing; a diluted liquid fertilizer once a month is sufficient.
It is a subtropical species, so it should be protected from strong sunlight. In summer, provide 50–70% shade. In winter, it can survive outdoors in southern regions but should be brought indoors in the north, where temperatures should stay between 5–12°C.
**Uses:**
With its elegant form, lush foliage, and delicate beauty, June Snow is widely used in landscaping and as a premium bonsai material. It is one of the five famous trees in Lingnan bonsai and is often referred to as “stump bonsai.†It gained international recognition after China joined the WTO, becoming a popular export to the U.S.
**Personal Reflections on June Snow:**
Calling a bonsai “June Snow†seems unusual, yet it captivates the imagination. I first encountered this leafy bonsai during a visit to a bonsai exhibition and was immediately drawn to its unique charm. Despite its modest price (around 300 yuan), it added a refreshing touch to my office space.
Unlike other bonsai that often appear overly artificial, June Snow has a natural, balanced look. Its exposed roots, layered branches, and delicate leaves give it a sense of depth and elegance. The tiny white flowers add a subtle beauty, while the bark resembles birch or oak, adding to its visual appeal.
I found myself fascinated by its name. Why “June Snow� After some research, I realized that the name might come from the way the plant looks when misted—like snowflakes falling from the leaves. Spraying water onto the bonsai created a magical effect, making it feel like it was snowing in June.
This discovery deepened my appreciation for the plant. It’s not just a beautiful tree—it’s a poetic symbol, blending nature and artistry. Every time I spray the leaves, I’m reminded of the beauty of simplicity and the magic of a well-crafted bonsai.
**Related Reading:**
*Colorful June Snow* by Li Jianmin
In conclusion, June Snow is more than just a plant—it’s a living piece of art, a symbol of quiet strength, and a reminder of nature’s beauty. Whether as a bonsai or a landscape feature, it brings life, grace, and a touch of poetry to any space.
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