Oak bonsai - Holm oak (96)

Presentation

Holm oak bonsai (Quercus ilex), the evergreen oak typical of Mediterranean scrubland, here as a specimen 76 cm tall with an estimated age of 70-80 years. The slanting trunk shows wide areas of hollowed wood at the base and a cracked grey bark, with a nebari reaching 32 cm. It is a collector's plant, suited to those who already have experience with outdoor growing and are looking for a subject with weight and character.

Technical features

• Botanical species: Quercus ilex (Holm oak)
• Style: slanting trunk with descending main branch and asymmetric canopy
• Height of the plant alone: 76 cm
• Nebari: 32 cm
• Pot: round, 47 cm diam. x h. 14 cm
• Pot material: unglazed stoneware
• Estimated age: about 70-80 years
• Total weight: 40 kg
• Position: outdoors, full sun with shading during the hottest summer hours
• Care difficulty: medium, suited to those with experience

How to care for it

The holm oak lives outdoors all year round and should be kept in a bright, airy position; from June to August some afternoon half-shade prevents the leaf edges from scorching. Water when the first few centimetres of soil dry out, without letting water stagnate in the pot's hollow, and reduce watering considerably during the cold months. In a shallow bowl like this one, 14 cm high, the substrate dries out faster than you might think: check it daily in summer.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the plant I receive the one in the photo?

Yes, this is a one-of-a-kind specimen and the photo shows the very plant that will be sent. As it is a living plant, the foliage may look different on delivery due to natural growth, pruning, pinching or seasonal changes. The trunk structure, nebari and pot, however, remain those in the photo.

How much space and what support does this specimen need?

The pot measures 47 cm in diameter and the total weight is 40 kg, so a sturdy table or stand able to bear it is required. Considering the plant's 76 cm height plus the height of the supporting surface, allow for at least one and a half metres of vertical outdoor space.

Can it be kept indoors?

No. The holm oak is a Mediterranean evergreen oak and must be grown outdoors twelve months a year, on a terrace, balcony or in the garden. Indoors, with poor light and dry air from heating, it drops its leaves and weakens. In areas with very harsh winters, simply shelter the pot from prolonged frost.

What is included

• Holm oak bonsai (Quercus ilex) in a round unglazed stoneware pot, 47 cm diam. x h. 14 cm, the exact specimen in the photo
• Plant certificate (identity card of the specimen with species, measurements and features)
• Reinforced packaging designed to protect the plant during shipping