If you are considering buying a bonsai tree, we can help guide you through the process. When considering all the factors, we often get asked what the average bonsai tree height is. 

Actually, there is no standard height, length, width or weight of a bonsai because there are so many species. But we can certainly describe the most popular types. On that note, how big do bonsai trees get?

Can I Control My Bonsai Tree’s Height?

Yes, with great care and attention, you can control the height of your bonsai tree. This will include daily watering and regular pruning of the top and outer parts. As a result, the inner and lower parts of the tree will grow in different directions.

What Are the Smallest Bonsai Trees?

The smallest bonsai tree is Keishi. They typically only measure 1 inch in height. These thumb-sized trees are extremely difficult to grow, making them prized possessions suitable for displays.

Shito bonsai trees are also quite small, measuring just 3 inches in height. These bonsais also require diligent care and attention. For example, watering up to four times per day.

What Is the Tallest Bonsai Tree?

Located in Akao Herb & Rose Garden in Atami, Japan, the tallest bonsai tree is a Red Pine. It’s not just the largest, but oldest bonsai in the world, aged at least 600 years. It measures 16 feet tall and 30 feet wide.

How Big Do Bonsai Trees Get?

The average bonsai tree height is between six inches to three feet.

If they are kept indoors and regularly pruned, they are likely to be smaller. Whereas, outdoor or wild bonsais can grow more than 10 metres.

But how big do bonsai trees get considering individual species?

Evergreen Bonsai Trees

  • Aralia (Ming Aralia/Polyscias): between 1 m and 2 m (3 ft to 7 ft)
  • Azalea (Rhododendron): between 1.2 m and 1.5 m (4 ft to 5 ft)
  • Bamboo (Bambusoideae): between 4.6 m and 7.6 m (15 ft to 25 ft)
  • Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea): between 1 m and 9 m (3 ft to 30 ft)
  • Box or Boxwood (Buxus): 5 m (16 ft)
  • Brazilian Rain Tree (Pithecellobium tortum): between 3 m and 6 m (10 ft to 20 ft)
  • Brush Cherry (Eugenia myrtifolia/Syzygium): 15 ft to 40 ft
  • Camellia (Camellia): 8 m (26 ft)
  • Citrus or Lemon (Citrus limon/sinensis): 1.8 m (6 ft)
  • Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster): between 6 m and 8 m (20 ft to 26 ft)
  • Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica): 3 m (10 ft)
  • Dwarf Jade (Crassula or Portulacaria): 3 m (10 ft)
  • Eucalypt (Eucalyptus): 10 m (33 ft)
  • Ficus (Ficus retusa/Ginseng/Fig): 2 m (6 ft)
  • Firethorn (Pyracantha): between 3 m and 4 m (10 ft to 13 ft)
  • Fuchsia (Fuchsia): 0.3 m (1 ft)
  • Hawaiian Umbrella (Schefflera arboricola): between 1.8 m and 7.6 m (6 ft to 25 ft)
  • Hibiscus (Hibiscus): 2 m (6½ ft)
  • Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata): 4 m (13 ft)
  • Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): between 1 m and 8 m (3¼ ft to 26 ft)
  • Juniper (Juniper): between 20 m and 40 m (66 ft to 131 ft)
  • Juniper (Juniperus): 10 m (33 ft)
  • Jasmine (Gardenia): between 0.3 m and 3 m (1 ft to 10 ft)
  • Lilac (Syringa): 4 m (13 ft)
  • Money Tree (Pachira aquatica): 3 m (10 ft)
  • Myrtle (Myrtus communis): 2.5 m (8 ft)
  • Olive (Olea europaea): between 4.5 m and 9 m (15 ft to 30 ft)
  • Privet (Ligustrum): between 1 m and 4 m (3 ft to 13 ft)
  • Premna (Premna): 9 m (30 ft)
  • Rosemary (Rosmarinus): between 0.6 m and 1.8 m (2 ft to 6 ft)
  • Snow Rose (Serissa): between 0.1 m and 0.3 m (0.32 ft to 1 ft)
  • Sweet Plum (Sageretia theezans): between 2 m and 3 m (7 ft to 10 ft)
  • Tamarind (Tamarindus indica): 20 m (65 ft)
  • Wattle (Acacia): 3 m (10 ft)
  • Water Jasmine (Wrightia religiosa): 6 m (20 ft)

Deciduous Bonsai Trees

  • Apple and Crabapple (Malus) 10 m (33 ft)
  • Ash (Fraxinus) 35 m (115 ft)
  • Baobab (Baobab) between 5 m and 30 m (20 ft to 100 ft)
  • Birch (Betula) 0.3 m (1 ft)
  • Cherry (Prunus/Sakura) 2.5 m (8 ft)
  • Chinese Elm (Ulmus parviflora) between 8 m and 18 m (26 ft to 59 ft)
  • Chinese Pepper (Zanthoxylum piperitum/Xanthoxylum) 2 m (6 ft)
  • Chinese Quince (Pseudocydonia) between 5 m and 6 m (16 ft to 20 ft)
  • Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) 3 m (10 ft)
  • Dogwood (Cornus) 10 m (33 ft)
  • Dwarf Flowering Quince ‘Chojubai’ (Chaenomeles speciosa) (4 ft)
  • Flame Tree (Delonix regia or Royal Poinciana) 10 m (33 ft)
  • Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) between 20 and 50 m (66 ft to 165 ft)
  • Hackberry (Celtis) between 9 m and 15 m (30 ft to 50 ft)
  • Hawthorn (Crataegus) 15 m (49 ft)
  • Hornbeam and Beech (Carpinus/Fagus) 30 m (98 ft)
  • Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora/Jaboticaba) between 11 m to 12 m (35 ft to 40 ft)
  • Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) 20 m (66 ft)
  • Japanese Elm (Zelkova) 20 m (66 ft)
  • Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) between 1 m and 8 m (3¼ ft to 26 ft)
  • Japanese Winterberry (Ilex serrata) (8 ft)
  • Judas Tree (Cercis) 10 m (33 ft)
  • Mulberry (Morus) 10 m (32 ft)
  • Oak (Quercus) between 20 m and 40 m (66 ft to 131 ft)
  • Pomegranate (Punica granatum) between (6 ft to 20 ft)
  • Rose (Rosa) 2 m (6.6 ft)
  • Silk Tree (Albizia or Silk Mimosa) between 5 m and 7 m (16 ft to 23 ft)
  • Sophora (Sophora japonica) between 3 m and 10 m (10 ft to 33 ft)
  • Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) between 3 m and 6.1 m (10 ft to 20 ft)
  • Sweetgum (Liquidambar) between 25 m and 50 m (82 ft to 164 ft)
  • Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum) between 7 m and 12 m (23 ft to 39 ft)
  • Weeping Willow (Salix) 15 m (49 ft)
  • Wisteria (Wisteria) 10 m (33 ft)

Pines and Conifers Bonsai Trees

  • Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) between 10 m and 40 m (35 ft to 120 ft)
  • Buddhist Pine (Podocarpus) between 15 m and 20 m (49 ft to 66 ft)
  • Cedar (Cedrus) between 30 m and 40 m (98 ft to 131 ft)
  • Fir (Abies) between 12 m and 18 m (40 ft to 60 ft)
  • Hemlock (Tsuga) between 15 m and 30 m (49 ft to 98 ft)
  • Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis) between 1.5 m and 2.5 m (4.9 ft to 8.2 ft)
  • Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria) 20 m (66 ft)
  • Juniper (Juniperus) 10 m (33 ft)
  • Larch and Golden Larch (Larix/Pseudolarix) 12 m (39 ft)
  • Pines (Pinus) between 15 m and 20 m (49 ft to 66 ft)
  • Redwoods (Metasequoia/Sequoia) between 40 m and 45 m (130 ft to 150 ft)
  • Spruce (Picea) between 40 m and 50 m (131 ft 164 ft)
  • Thuja (Northern White Cedar) 4.5 m (15 ft)
  • Yew (Taxus or Taxaceae) between 10 m and 20 m (33 ft to 66 ft)

Buy Your Small Bonsai Tree at Bonsai2U

It’s important to note, there are many other bonsai species than the ones listed above. While these are the most popular types, there are many bonsais bigger and smaller, such as Keishi, Shito and Red Pine.

Ultimately, you can control your bonsai tree’s height with regular watering and pruning. As such, it should only grow up to one metre (or however tall you want).

If any of these bonsai trees have caught your attention, you can find these available in our premium, indoor and outdoor ranges. The tree in the photo is the product you will receive, including the pot. We also offer nationwide delivery to ensure every country can appreciate the beauty of a bonsai. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today.