When you think about flower delivery, have you ever considered giving a bonsai tree instead of flowers? Bonsai trees are a remarkable gift that can last for many years and are always admired as a source of beauty. These trees can be ordered from your local florist or from many online florists.

The bonsai is not Japanese in origin despite "bonsai" being a Japanese term for "potted plant." The style of miniature trees in containers dates back to an ancient dynasty in China and bonsai is the way the Japanese pronounced the Chinese term for these tiny creations. The Chinese "bonsai" trees became more widespread in Japan and today outside of China they are almost always termed as bonsai.

In Japan, these miniature trees are very popular indoors and out while in the west we think of them as pretty much indoor pot plants. Some are actually more suitable to be outdoors and your gift will normally come with care instructions. A bonsai tree is a regular deciduous tree (one that sheds its leaves in fall or winter) or an evergreen species.

The bonsai tree is created by a combination of pruning, shaping, and root paring to make it have smaller leaves and a tiny size. Bonsai trees are classified as tiny to large, with the tiny trees being one inch or less and the large as big as four feet tall. Most florists will have the small to medium size but may be able to order any size you desire.

It takes many years and lots of special care to create a bonsai tree, which is part of why these make such a special plant gift. The small pot limits the roots and helps to keep it small, while careful pruning also restricts growth. Pruning and root cutting must not be done when the tree is dormant so it is seasonal. Special bonsai tools are also used.

The bonsai tree may also be wired to maintain the shape until the wood grows firm. Wires can then be removed and the shape is established. The bonsai choices are extra nice as a wedding gift, since they symbolize long life and permanence. They also would make a lovely and lasting memorial when there has been a death in the family.