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About this product
Olea europaea Bonsai
Olea europaea
160L bowl • Bonsai form • Supplied approximately 230cm tall
Plant Highlights: Mature sculptural bonsai form • Silvery evergreen foliage • Characterful gnarled trunk • Mediterranean style • Outstanding architectural specimen
Overview
Olea europaea, the Olive Tree, is a timeless Mediterranean evergreen admired for its elegant silvery-green foliage, naturally rugged bark and exceptional longevity. Expertly trained into a mature bonsai form, this impressive specimen combines the beauty of an ancient olive with the artistry of specialist pruning, creating a striking focal point for prestigious gardens and outdoor living spaces.
Supplied at approximately 230cm tall in a 160L bowl, this substantial specimen provides instant impact. Its beautifully sculpted branching and evergreen canopy offer year-round structure, while mature trees may produce small creamy-white flowers in late spring, followed by olives in warm, favourable seasons.
Why We Love It
- Mature bonsai form creates an exceptional architectural feature.
- Silvery evergreen foliage provides year-round beauty.
- Characterful trunk gives the appearance of an aged Mediterranean tree.
- Ideal for contemporary, Mediterranean and courtyard gardens.
- Long-lived specimen that develops even greater character over time.
Plant Details
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Olea europaea |
| Common Name | Olive Tree |
| Plant Type | Evergreen tree trained in bonsai form |
| Foliage | Narrow, leathery silvery-green evergreen leaves |
| Flower | Small creamy-white flowers on mature plants |
| Flowering Period | Late spring to early summer |
| Fruit | Olives may develop on mature plants in warm, favourable conditions |
| Growth Habit | Broad, sculptural canopy with a naturally gnarled trunk, maintained through bonsai pruning |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | Fertile, free-draining soil; suitable for loam, chalk or sandy soils |
| Mature Height | Can eventually reach 4–8m if grown naturally; the bonsai form is maintained by specialist pruning |
| Mature Spread | Determined by ongoing pruning and training |
| Exposure | Best in a warm, sheltered position protected from cold winds |
| Hardiness | Hardy in sheltered Irish gardens. Container-grown specimens benefit from protection during prolonged severe frost. |
Growing Guide
Position
Plant in full sun in the warmest, brightest position available. A sheltered south- or west-facing location is ideal for healthy growth and the best foliage colour.
Watering
Water regularly during the first growing season after planting. Once established, olive trees are drought tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells. Container-grown specimens require more frequent watering, allowing excess water to drain freely.
Soil
Grow in fertile, well-drained soil. Excellent drainage is essential, especially during winter, as olives dislike prolonged wet conditions around their roots.
Hardiness and Winter Care
Suitable for outdoor cultivation in sheltered parts of Ireland. During prolonged severe frost, protect container-grown specimens and the canopy with horticultural fleece if required.
Routine Care
Prune lightly in late spring or early summer to maintain the bonsai form and remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches. Remove any vigorous shoots that disrupt the established silhouette.
Perfect For
- Mediterranean-style gardens.
- Courtyard gardens.
- Luxury patio displays.
- Contemporary landscapes.
- Entranceways.
- Architectural specimen planting.
Good to Know
The supplied height of approximately 230cm refers to the overall height at the time of sale. The 160L bowl provides an established growing environment, while the bonsai form has been developed over many years and benefits from regular, careful pruning to preserve its sculptural appearance.
Product Information
- Botanical name: Olea europaea
- Trained in a bonsai form.
- Supplied in a 160L bowl.
- Supplied approximately 230cm tall.
Growing & care
- Plant type
- tree
- Position & light
- Full sun· Sheltered
- Watering
- drought-tolerant
- Soil & drainage
- Well drained· Free draining
- Mature size
- 8.0m high
- Flowering
- Late spring to early summer· White· Cream· Multicolour
- Foliage
- evergreen
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