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Any tree that requires lower light and lots of humidity is going to be a problem in the desert. The Korean Hornbeam has trouble with extreme heat, especially in places that don't cool below 70 at night--which often time happens in the desert in the summer-regardless of shadecloth. It is a temperate understory tree used to cool, humid forest floors and will probably croak a few weeks afer sprouting there.

The bald cypress is also going to be a problem, since they are very thirsty trees that also like a great deal of humidity. They can take alot of heat, but not low humidity.

Consider concentrating on native conifers-- or at least tougher conifers as your tree of choice. Collected landscape juniper, ponderora pine, california juniper and the like will probably yield better results for you. Bougainvillea is a tough heat-loving plant that will also probably do well.

Check out phoenixbonsai.com for the Phoenix Arizona club. It has some pretty well done FAQs on desert bonsai.

23-Jan-2004	#4
rockm bonsaiTALK ArchMaster Join Date: Oct-2003 Location: Fairfax, Va Country: USA USDA Zone: 7 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 4,561	Any tree that requires lower light and lots of humidity is going to be a problem in the desert. The Korean Hornbeam has trouble with extreme heat, especially in places that don't cool below 70 at night--which often time happens in the desert in the summer-regardless of shadecloth. It is a temperate understory tree used to cool, humid forest floors and will probably croak a few weeks afer sprouting there. The bald cypress is also going to be a problem, since they are very thirsty trees that also like a great deal of humidity. They can take alot of heat, but not low humidity. Consider concentrating on native conifers-- or at least tougher conifers as your tree of choice. Collected landscape juniper, ponderora pine, california juniper and the like will probably yield better results for you. Bougainvillea is a tough heat-loving plant that will also probably do well. Check out phoenixbonsai.com for the Phoenix Arizona club. It has some pretty well done FAQs on desert bonsai.