Symbol of peace
The olive branch has symbolised peace and victory since antiquity. An olive tree in your home or garden brings a piece of that history with it.
Olea Europaea
Olea Europaea
Everything you need to know about the Olea europaea or olive tree. Forms, care, winter hardiness, ideal location and our XXL olive tree collection in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
- The Olea europaea or olive tree comes from the Mediterranean region and belongs to the Oleaceae family
- Wants a sunny spot, outside on the terrace or indoors by a sunny window
- Likes well-draining soil and tolerates drought excellently; let the soil dry out well
- Hardy to about minus ten degrees Celsius; protect the pot in severe frost
- Non-toxic to dogs and cats, so safe for pets
- Available on a stem, as a bonsai with a thick trunk and branched, from compact to XXL
About this Olijfboom planting guide
Did you know?
Three facts about the Olijfboom that you may not have known yet.
Thousands of years old
Olive trees are among the oldest trees in the world. Some specimens in the Mediterranean are over two thousand years old and still bear fruit.
Pet-friendly alternative
Unlike many popular indoor trees, the olive tree is non-toxic to pets, a lovely choice for anyone with cats or dogs.
Olijfboom types and differences
On a stem
A straight, smooth trunk with a round crown. The sleek, classic form, ideal as a solitary on the terrace or in a bright corner.
Bonsai
A thick, gnarled trunk full of character, shaped by years of growth. A sculptural eye-catcher with plenty of presence.
Branched
Multiple branches from the base form a fuller, natural silhouette with plenty of volume and movement.
Top 5 Olijfboom
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Olijfboom care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Olijfboom healthy.
- 1
Location and light
Give the olive tree the sunniest spot you have. It thrives best outdoors on a terrace or in the garden; indoors place it by a sunny south-facing window. The more sun, the healthier the tree.
- 2
Watering
Let the soil dry out well between waterings. The olive tree is extremely drought-tolerant and far more sensitive to too much than to too little water. Water regularly in summer, hardly at all in winter.
- 3
Soil and drainage
Use well-draining, calcareous soil, for example special Mediterranean potting soil with extra grit. Ensure a pot with a drainage hole, because the olive tree cannot tolerate waterlogging.
- 4
Overwintering
The olive tree is hardy to about minus ten degrees. In severe or prolonged frost, protect the pot with bubble wrap or move the tree to a cool, bright space. In milder regions it can stay outside all year.
- 5
Pruning and feeding
Prune the olive tree into shape in spring and feed with Mediterranean fertiliser every two to four weeks during the growing season. This keeps the crown compact and the growth healthy.
Frequently asked questions about the Olijfboom
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Olijfboom.
Is the olive tree winter-hardy?
The olive tree is moderately hardy and tolerates short frost to about minus ten degrees. In a pot it is more vulnerable than in the ground. In severe or prolonged frost, protect the pot and roots, or move the tree to a cool, bright space such as a conservatory or a garage with a window.
How often should I water my olive tree?
Only water once the soil has dried out well. In summer that is about once or twice a week outdoors, and hardly at all in winter. The olive tree is drought-tolerant and far more sensitive to too much water, which leads to root rot.
Can an olive tree stand indoors?
Yes, but only in the very brightest spot, by a sunny south-facing window. Indoors the olive tree grows more slowly and prefers a cool, bright overwintering. A terrace or garden remains the ideal spot.
Is the olive tree toxic to cats and dogs?
No, the olive tree is non-toxic to pets and therefore a safe choice for households with cats and dogs. This makes it a lovely alternative to toxic houseplants.
Why is my olive tree dropping leaves?
Some leaf loss is normal, especially with a change of location or in winter. If a lot of leaves fall, the cause is usually too much water, too little light or cold, wet roots. Move the tree to a brighter spot and water less.
Will my olive tree produce olives?
An olive tree can bear olives, but ornamental olive trees do so irregularly and the fruit is not edible raw. To produce fruit, the tree needs plenty of sun, warmth and a cold winter period.
How big does an olive tree get?
In a pot the olive tree stays easy to manage and grows slowly. With us you choose the desired size directly, from a compact tree to an XXL specimen of 270 centimetres with an impressive trunk.
How fast does an olive tree grow?
The olive tree is a slow grower that gains only a few centimetres per year. This is precisely what develops its characterful trunk. For a large tree it is best to choose a large size directly.
Plant concepts explained
- Evergreen
- A plant that keeps its leaves all year round and does not go bare in winter, like the olive tree.
- Gnarled trunk
- A rugged, sculptural trunk with bulges and grooves that develops as the olive tree gets older.
- Winter-hardy
- The degree to which a plant tolerates frost. The olive tree is moderately hardy to about minus ten degrees.
- Drought-tolerant
- Resistant to longer periods without water, because the plant uses moisture sparingly. Characteristic of Mediterranean plants.
- Mediterranean soil
- Well-draining, often calcareous soil with grit or sand, ideal for plants from the Mediterranean region.
- Drainage
- The drainage of excess water from the pot, essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot in the olive tree.
Resources and further reading
-
Kew Gardens
Scientific description and origin of Olea europaea
-
Royal Horticultural Society
Care and winter-hardiness guidelines for Olea europaea
-
Missouri Botanical Garden
Botanical description and origin
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