Exceptional 1986 Kishu Shimpaku Juniper Bonsai with Dramatic Deadwood

Exceptional 1986 Kishu Shimpaku Juniper Bonsai with Dramatic Deadwood

This is an absolutely incredible Kishu Shimpaku.

Originally grown by Gerald Rainville, this tree was started from a cutting in 1986. It has been at our nursery for the past couple of years and has been worked several times during that period. The most recent styling was completed by John Romano on July 29, 2026.

The trunk is the centerpiece. It has real age, excellent movement, a powerful base, and a wide section of naturally convincing deadwood running through the center of the tree. The live vein and weathered wood play off one another beautifully, and the branching has now been positioned to frame the trunk rather than hide it.

This is not a raw project or a tree that still needs someone to figure out its direction. The structure is there. The deadwood is there. The branching is there. From here, the next owner can focus on refinement, foliage density, and selecting the right ceramic pot next spring.

Please Note: We are unable to ship Junipers to California due to Agricultural Restrictions.

This is the exact Kishu Shimpaku shown in the photographs. 

Why This Tree Stands Out

• Age and History: Started from a cutting in 1986 and originally grown by Gerald Rainville.
• Recent Styling: Most recently styled by John Romano on July 29, 2026.
• Trunk: A thick, mature trunk with excellent movement, taper, and a strong root base.
• Deadwood: A dramatic section of carved and weathered deadwood runs through the trunk and into the upper structure.
• Branching: Established branches have been wired and positioned to create depth while keeping the trunk visible.
• Next Step: Ready to be paired with a quality ceramic bonsai pot next spring.

Tree Details

• Common Name: Kishu Shimpaku Juniper
• Botanical Name: Juniperus chinensis 'Kishu'
• Started From: A cutting in 1986
• Original Grower: Gerald Rainville
• Most Recent Styling: John Romano, July 29, 2026
• Height: 14" from soil to apex
• Spread: 16"
• Current Pot: 9.5" mica training pot
• Availability: One tree only

About This Tree

I have seen a lot of Shimpaku come through the nursery, and this one is special. The proportions are excellent, the trunk feels much larger than the overall height of the tree, and the deadwood immediately gives it the appearance of an old mountain juniper.

The recent styling opened the tree up and created a much clearer structure. There is still work to do, as there should be with any serious bonsai, but the hard decisions have already been made. The next stage is about refinement rather than rescue or reinvention.

It is currently planted in a mica training pot, which has been the right home while the tree was being worked. Next spring, it should be ready for a ceramic pot that properly finishes the presentation.

What to Expect

The tree is freshly styled and still wired. The wiring is part of the current development process and should remain in place until the branches have set, with regular monitoring to prevent the wire from biting into the bark.

Junipers must be grown outdoors and should not be treated as indoor bonsai. Provide full sun, good air circulation, and careful watering. Allow the soil to approach dryness between waterings, but do not allow the root system to dry out completely.

Please Note

All trees are sold as-is. All sales are final - no refunds, returns, or exchanges. Once the tree leaves our nursery, care is your responsibility. Have questions? Just reach out - we're happy to help.