Black, White & Red Pine Bonsai: What's the difference?
Black Pine, Red Pine, and Japanese White Pine (Goyōmatsu)
Bonsai varieties can generally be divided into two categories based on species: shōhaku (conifers) and zōki (broadleaf/deciduous trees). Within those, each tree is further named according to its trunk structure, such as the number of trunks or the direction of growth.
The quintessential bonsai are conifers, which keep their green needles all year round. Among them, pines and shinpaku (Chinese juniper) have been especially cherished, and together they are called shōhaku. These trees are prized for their vigor, with roots and trunks that display diverse and striking forms of natural beauty.
Among pines, the most representative species are the Black Pine, Red Pine, and Japanese White Pine.
This time, let’s take a look at the features of these three.
Starting with differences in care: Black Pine and Red Pine relies on mekiri (bud-cutting), whereas Japanese White Pine is managed with metsumi (pinching).
Black Pine and Red Pine are also referred to as “male pine” and “female pine,” respectively. They look very similar, but compared to the Black Pine, the Red Pine has softer needles and weaker vigor, giving it a more delicate impression. In terms of ideal form, Black Pine is suited for bold shapes like moyogi (informal upright) or chokkan (formal upright), while Red Pine is considered better for softer styles such as bunjin (literati) or fukinagashi (windswept).
Next, the Japanese White Pine (Goyōmatsu). There are many different cultivars, each with its own unique characteristics. In fact, there is even a ranking chart of White Pines modeled after a sumo wrestler ranking system (banzuke). Representative cultivars include Zuishō, Nasu Musume, Kokonoe, and Maiko. There are also varieties like Miyajima (also known as Gin-hachi or Osaka-matsu), which are grafted onto Black Pine rootstock.
Since White Pine cannot be managed through mekiri (bud-cutting), growth is controlled by adjusting water so that the needles don’t grow too long. However, in the case of Miyajima, because the rootstock is Black Pine, it requires a good amount of water.
Personally, I recommend the Miyajima variety for beginners, as it is vigorous and does not require intensive care.
Another enjoyable approach to bonsai might be to collect varieties listed on the White Pine banzuke ranking chart.
Until next time !
ReBonsai Yusuke Ogawa
More of Ogawa Sensei Content here :
Vol#27 How to Grow Maple Bonsai
Vol#29 The Art of Moss Decoration in Bonsai