Olea europaea – The Olive Tree, the Eternal Symbol of the Mediterranean
An 18-year-old outdoor bonsai with a thousand-year history and timeless beauty. Olea europaea, the cultivated olive tree, is one of the most iconic and beloved trees of the Mediterranean basin: evergreen, with slow and steady growth, and a trunk that already at 18 years old tells a story of authentic life. Its silvery leaves flutter in the wind with understated, refined elegance. Its name derives from the Latin oleum – oil – a tribute to this extraordinary plant’s most precious gift.
Important notes: The shape and dimensions of the bonsai are approximate (including the pot). The pot’s colour and shape may differ from the photographs. As living plants, their appearance changes with the seasons; the images are therefore purely illustrative and do not constitute a contractual obligation.
Main features
-
Habitat: Outdoor
-
Leaf type: Evergreen
-
Family: Oleaceae
-
Growth: Slow and steady
-
Approximate dimensions (diameter × height): 24 × 50 cm
-
Pot dimensions: Under 16 cm
Fun facts
For millennia, the olive tree has been a symbol of peace, victory and wisdom. In Ancient Rome, it was the emblem of victorious warriors; in ancient Greece, the prize awarded to the winners of the Olympic Games was a crown of olive branches. Owning an 18-year-old olive bonsai means carrying with you a living piece of human history.
Position
In a Mediterranean climate, place it outdoors in full sunlight all year round. Protect it from excessive heat and, above all, prolonged frost. In winter, it requires a sharp temperature drop to between 5 and 7°C to encourage fruit production in the following season. To pollinate the plant and encourage fruiting, pollen can be transferred manually between the flowers using a small brush.
Watering
The olive tree has minimal water requirements: it is a species naturally adapted to drought. Water moderately, allowing the substrate to dry thoroughly between waterings. Absolutely avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
From spring to autumn, use the Hiryo Gold organo-mineral fertilizer or the fast-acting Nutribonsai fertilizer. Do not fertilize during flowering.
Repotting
The olive tree grows very slowly, and its root system also develops gradually. With a suitable substrate and fertilization, repotting will not be necessary for 3–5 years. After repotting, watering with Vitabonsai revitalizer by Mistral Bonsai is recommended to accelerate the plant’s recovery.
Substrate
Terrabonsai – a special bonsai substrate that meets water and nutritional requirements, promoting root development and overall vigour.
Pruning
In March, before the spring growing season resumes.
Pinching
From April to October: when a shoot reaches 7–8 pairs of leaves, pinch it back, leaving 2–3 pairs.
Wiring
Can be carried out all year round, taking care during spring growth to avoid marks on the bark.
