A Gerald Rainville-Grown Shimpaku Kishu with Twisting Deadwood, Movement, and Serious Bonsai Potential
This is the exact tree shown in the photos.
This Gerald Rainville-grown Shimpaku Kishu specimen pre-bonsai was started from a cutting in 1986, giving it age, provenance, and character that simply cannot be recreated quickly. These are special trees, and this one has a lot going for it: twisting trunk movement, dramatic deadwood, wired branches, and compact Kishu foliage already positioned for future refinement.
The trunk has a beautiful twisting line with natural shari, jin, aged bark texture, and exposed wood that gives the tree a very rugged, mature look. The branching has already been worked and wired, creating a strong framework for future pad development. The foliage is compact and healthy, with a lot of usable growth for continued refinement.
This tree has been worked on some since we purchased this group from Gerald Rainville a few years ago, but it should still be considered specimen pre-bonsai, not a finished bonsai. That is part of the appeal. The age, structure, and character are already there, but the next owner still has the opportunity to continue refining the design and make it their own.
It is currently planted in an eleven-inch mica training pot, which is practical for continued development. A future move into a high-quality ceramic pot could really elevate the presentation, but for now this tree is well-positioned for continued styling, refinement, and long-term development.
We have thirty-plus Gerald Rainville-grown Shimpaku Kishu from this group, so if you are looking for something slightly different, please call us. Each tree has its own shape, movement, deadwood, and future design possibilities, but they are all exceptional specimen pre-bonsai.
Approximate Dimensions
- Height: 16" from soil to apex
- Spread: 15"
- Pot Size: 11" mica pot
Why We Like This Tree
- Exact tree shown — no stock photos
- Gerald Rainville-grown Shimpaku Kishu
- Started from a cutting in 1986
- Rare specimen pre-bonsai material with real age and provenance
- Twisting trunk line with strong visual movement
- Dramatic deadwood, jin, and shari features
- Wired branches already started for future structure
- Compact Kishu foliage with excellent refinement potential
- Strong size for serious work without being oversized
- Planted in a practical mica training pot
- Great choice for someone who wants to continue developing a high-quality juniper
Development Note
This tree is best viewed as specimen pre-bonsai. It has already had work started, including wiring and branch positioning, but it is not a finished bonsai. Future refinement should be done thoughtfully and in stages. Styling, deadwood work, and repotting should not all be done at once.
Availability Note
We have over thirty Gerald Rainville-grown Shimpaku Kishu from this group. If you are looking for a slightly different trunk line, size, movement, or overall character, please call us. They are all unique, and they are all incredible specimen pre-bonsai.
Photography Note
This tree was photographed on May 2, 2026. The photos show the actual tree for sale at the time of photography.
Shipping Note
This tree ships from our nursery. It will be packed carefully, but some minor movement of foliage, moss, wire, or soil may occur during transit.
California Shipping Restriction: Due to USDA restrictions, we are unable to ship Junipers, including Shimpaku and Kishu Junipers, to California.
Care Note
Shimpaku Kishu Juniper is an outdoor bonsai and should be grown outside year-round. It prefers bright light, good airflow, and careful watering. Allow the soil to approach dryness between watering, but do not allow the tree to fully dry out. Protect from extreme heat, drying winds, and severe winter conditions, especially while growing in a container.
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 always happy to help.
We ship thousands of bonsai trees and supplies each year, and every order is packed with care by our team. Live trees are watered, secured, and packaged to help them arrive safely and ready for their new home.
Live bonsai trees generally ship early in the week, Monday and Tuesday, to reduce time in transit. Tools, pots, soil, fertilizer, and other non-living items usually ship throughout the week.
Bonsai Outlet is a licensed nursery, not just a warehouse. We follow the proper inspection and certification requirements for shipping live plants across state lines. When a state requires additional documentation, such as a nematode certificate or nursery inspection certificate, we work to ensure the proper requirements are met before shipping.
For complete shipping and return details, please visit: Shipping & Returns