Ideal Penjing Plant Species

By now, you know that plants are a critical part of nearly every penjing display. However, some plants are better suited and more popular for penjing than others. Below, you can find a few of the best plant species that you should consider using in your penjing designs.
Pine (Pinus spp.)
Pines are among the most popular plants to use for both penjing and bonsai. The pines you can use for these practices can be one of many different species within the Pinus genus, including Japanese black pine, mugo pine, and Scots pine.
Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata)
If you want to enjoy flowers as a part of your penjing display, you may want to use a Japanese flowering cherry as your tree of choice. Known botanically as Prunus serrulata, this plant is sure to impress you with its many blooms each year.
Cedar (Cedrus spp.)
Cedar is another plant group that offers several species that are well suited to penjing. These coniferous plants have attractive evergreen foliage and lovely bark. Both of those features can show varying shades, which make for a captivating evergreen penjing design.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Japanese maple trees are not only popular landscape plants in residential yards, but they also are one of the most beautiful plant options for penjing displays. The main ornamental feature that makes Japanese maple so popular is its foliage. These leaves are unmistakable, with their distinct shape and lovely reddish hues.
Juniper (Juniperus spp.)
Juniper is another evergreen tree genus that gives penjing artists plenty of options. As is true of other evergreens, junipers can come in varying shades of blue and green. Juniper plants also give off a recognizable scent that many gardeners love and hold sets of small berry fruits.
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Weeping fig may be one of the most interesting plants you can include in a penjing display. Weeping figs have leaves that are somewhat broad and have a glossy texture. As the name implies, these plants take on a weeping form as well. Despite that, the weeping fig can also respond well to training and can create many interesting shapes in your penjing design.