Olea europaea sylvestris – The Wild Olive, a Timeless Symbol of the Mediterranean
A 9-year-old outdoor bonsai, steeped in history and in that quiet beauty that only Mediterranean trees can convey. Olea europaea sylvestris, the wild olive, is one of the oldest and most beloved species in the world: its slow, steady growth produces an authentic bonsai with a trunk that already tells a story of years gone by. Its name derives from the Latin oleum, oil – a tribute to the most precious gift of this extraordinary plant.
Important notes: The bonsai’s shape and dimensions are approximate (including the pot). The pot’s color 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.
Key features
-
Habitat: Outdoor
-
Leaf type: Evergreen
-
Family: Oleaceae
-
Growth: Slow and steady
-
Approximate dimensions (width × depth × height): 23 × 15 × 29 cm
-
Pot dimensions: Under 16 cm
Interesting facts
For millennia, the olive tree has symbolized peace, victory and chastity. 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. Having an olive bonsai means carrying a piece of human history with you.
Position
In a Mediterranean climate, place it outdoors in full sunlight all year round. Protect it from excessive heat and, above all, frost. In winter, it needs a sharp drop in temperature to between 5 and 7 °C to encourage fruit production in the following season.
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. Avoid water stagnation at all costs.
Fertilization
From spring to autumn with Hiryo Gold organo-mineral fertilizer or the fast-acting Nutribonsai fertilizer.
Repotting
The olive tree grows very slowly, and its root system also develops gradually. With a suitable substrate and adequate fertilization, repotting will not be necessary for 3-5 years. After repotting, we recommend watering with Mistral Bonsai’s Vitabonsai revitalizer to speed up the plant’s recovery.
Substrate
Terrabonsai – a special bonsai substrate that meets water and nutritional requirements while promoting root development and overall vigor.
Pruning
In March, before spring growth 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.
What you receive
- Dimensions: approximately 23 × 15 × 29 cm (width × depth × height), including the pot.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bonsai a good Christmas gift?
Yes: it is a living gift to care for and watch grow over time. You can add the gift message service to your order to accompany your thought with a message.
