Olive bonsai in shallow bowl

Presentation

Bonsai of Olea europaea, the Mediterranean olive, with an already bark-textured trunk base and a compact canopy of silvery-green lance-shaped leaves. The white shallow bowl, 20 cm across and just 7 cm high, visually widens the plant and keeps the root flare in full view. It is designed as a wedding favour for weddings, christenings and confirmations, as well as a corporate or event gift.

Technical features

• Species: Olea europaea (olive)
• Plant height: about 20-25 cm
• Pot: shallow bowl, 20 cm diameter x 7 cm high
• Pot material: glossy white ceramic
• Position: outdoors in full sun
• Care level: easy, suitable for beginners too
• From July to November-December the plants may carry ripening olives

How to care for it

The olive needs direct sun all year round: a south-facing balcony or windowsill, moving it to a sheltered spot only during prolonged frosts below -5 °C. In summer a bowl only 7 cm deep dries out quickly, so check the surface daily and water when the top couple of centimetres are dry, watering less often in winter. Never leave the drip tray full of water.

To learn more about caring for this species, see the complete botanical care sheet.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Will I receive exactly the plant in the photograph?

A: No. Wedding favours are produced in batches and the photo shows a representative specimen. You will receive an olive of the same variety and style, in the very same white 20 x 7 cm bowl, with a height between 20 and 25 cm. Branching varies slightly from plant to plant.

Q: Will the bonsai arrive with olives on it?

A: It depends on when you order. Between July and November-December the plants may show ripening olives, but this cannot be guaranteed on every specimen as fruiting varies from plant to plant. In the other months the plant arrives with green foliage only.

Q: Can I keep it indoors during the reception?

A: Yes, for the days of the ceremony the shallow bowl looks lovely on the guests' table. The olive, however, remains an outdoor species: once the event is over it should go back to a balcony, terrace or garden in full sun, otherwise it loses vigour and the branches become leggy.

What's included

• Olive bonsai (Olea europaea) in a white ceramic shallow bowl 20 cm in diameter x 7 cm high, a specimen of the same variety and size as in the photo
• Botanical care sheet with growing instructions
• Reinforced packaging designed to protect the plant in transit