Made to Order: Four Seasons and Bonsai - Winter (Holly)

Winter Tree used for warding off evil, Japanese Holly

As the Japanese character for holly (柊) is written with the radicals for "tree" (木) and "winter" (冬), Japanese holly is one of the evergreen trees that represent winter.

Its distinctive jagged leaves have long been believed to ward off evil, as demons are said to dislike them. The custom of decorating with holly for Setsubun (the day before the beginning of spring) is even mentioned in "Tosa Nikki" from the Heian period.

This time, we have prepared a small size that fits snugly in the palm of your hand.

The pot color "Tetsu-aka" (iron red) is a subtle nod to the holiday season. The saucer "Hagi" (bush clover) evokes a snowy landscape.

Since it is resistant to cold, keep it in as cold an indoor environment as possible during winter. This will regulate the tree's biorhythm and encourage new shoots to develop in spring.

Four Seasons and Bonsai: Winter features 7 tree types

The Four Seasons and Bonsai for winter 2025 features 7 types, all in limited quantities.

We have selected auspicious items to wish for prosperity in the new year, as well as colorful fruit-bearing trees.

① Japanese Holly (Hiiragi)

The Japanese holly is distinctive for its jagged leaves.

As it symbolizes the holiday season, it also has the flower meaning "family happiness" in the West.

Purchase here. (Size: Small, Pot color: Iron Red)

② Japanese Black Pine (Kuromatsu)

The Japanese black pine, a classic bonsai species, also possesses a unique presence that combines strength and charm.

It is considered auspicious because its leaves remain green all year round and it has a long lifespan. It is also familiar today as one of the "Three Friends of Winter" (pine, bamboo, and plum), which originates from its ability to maintain its beautiful appearance even in the cold winter.

Purchase here. (Size: Extra Small/Small, Pot color: Blue Silver/Black Sea)

③ Chinese Hawthorn (Kamatsuka Kokemomo)

The Chinese hawthorn, an evergreen tree native to Taiwan, has a somewhat oriental atmosphere.

Small white flowers bloom in spring, and the berries turn red from late summer to autumn. December to January is the best time to see them.

Purchase here. (Size: Medium, Pot color: Wakakusa)

④ Japanese White Pine (Goyomatsu)

As its name suggests, the Japanese white pine has five needles bundled together. It is an evergreen conifer endemic to Japan and is also considered an auspicious item for attracting good fortune in business, due to the pun "go-yo-matsu" sounding like "waiting for official business."

Small pinecones may appear from autumn to winter.

Purchase here. (Size: Medium, Pot color: Sumi)

⑤ Ardisia japonica (Yabukoji/Juryo)

Yabukoji has been loved by people since ancient times, even being sung about in the "Manyoshu" under the name Yamamuratachibana.

In winter, its red berries hang adorably, and it is also an auspicious item decorated during the New Year as "Juryo" (ten ryō, an old Japanese monetary unit).

Purchase here. (Size: Medium, Pot color: White)

⑥ Japanese Andromeda (Asebi)

Asebi, a popular choice for cut branches, is magnificent when its bell-like reddish-purple flowers bloom in strings in early spring.

This tree type can be enjoyed throughout the year, with reddish new shoots in early summer and glossy leaves from midsummer onwards.

Purchase here. (Size: Large, Pot color: Ice Blue)

⑦ Senjumaru

Senjumaru, a type of Japanese black pine, possesses the Yatsubusa characteristic, meaning its branches divide finely.

Its charm lies in its powerfully growing leaves and its rugged, ever-changing trunk. We have prepared an extra-large size that exudes dignity.

Purchase here. (Size: Extra Large, Pot color: Copper Black)

Opening the Door to Nature. Bonsai Specialty Store "Ishiki Hana"

Ishiki Hana, a bonsai brand based in Murayama City, Yamagata Prefecture. SiKiTO's representative fell in love at first sight with their beautiful and refined bonsai, leading to this collaboration.

All bonsai are carefully nurtured by Ishiki Hana staff with time and effort.

One of Ishiki Hana's unique charms is their gently shaped pots, all self-produced.

About 50 original colors are given tasteful names such as "Shirasa-ame" (white rain) and "Shinpiki" (deep green).

The "Four Seasons and Bonsai" collaboration with Ishiki Hana is sold for a limited time each season.

Please also see our visit article to Ishiki Hana.

Order Period and Delivery

This product will be shipped directly from Ishiki Hana, so please allow some time from order to delivery.

〈Order Period〉November 21, 2025 (Fri) 〜 January 8, 2026 (Thu) 23:59

〈Delivery Date〉Scheduled to ship within 7 days from the order date

Bonsai are living plants. We kindly ask for your cooperation in receiving them to avoid redelivery.

*You can specify a desired delivery date from 10 days after the order date.

Items (sold separately) useful for a bonsai-filled life

Mekiribasami (bud-trimming shears) that cut precisely even small parts are available here.

Liquid fertilizer and activators to promote healthy growth are available here.

Seasonal branch delivery service "Edamono Teiki-bin" is also popular

Click here for "Edamono Teiki-bin," a subscription service that delivers seasonal branches to your home.

For any inquiries, please contact us here.