Symbol of peace
Since antiquity the olive branch has been a symbol of peace and wisdom. In the biblical story of Noah a dove brought an olive branch back to the ark as a sign that the flood was over.
Olive Trees (Olea)
Olive Trees (Olea)
Everything you need to know about the Olive Tree. Varieties, care, ideal location, and our XXL Olive Tree collection all in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
- The Olive Tree (Olea Europaea) is a Mediterranean ornamental tree from the Mediterranean region
- Loves full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day on dry soil
- Pet-friendly and non-toxic to dogs and cats
- Drought-resistant and economical with water, too much water is the biggest mistake
- Moderately hardy to about minus 8 degrees in open ground, protect in a pot
- Can live for hundreds to thousands of years, a timeless investment
About this Olive tree planting guide
Did you know?
Three facts about the Olive tree that you may not have known yet.
Can live for thousands of years
Olive trees are among the longest-living trees on earth. In Greece there is an olive tree over 2,000 years old that still bears olives.
Moderately hardy to minus 8 degrees
Mature olive trees in open ground are moderately hardy down to about minus 8 degrees. In a pot you need to protect it in severe frost or bring it inside.
Olive tree types and differences
Olive tree on a stem (120 to 220 cm)
Classic olive tree with a cleared trunk and lush crown. The iconic Mediterranean look for terrace, garden or conservatory.
Olive tree bonsai (40 to 80 cm)
Compact olive tree grown in bonsai form with a strikingly gnarled trunk. Mediterranean atmosphere in miniature, perfect indoors or on a small terrace.
Branched olive tree (100 to 180 cm)
Olive tree with natural branching from the base for a round bush shape. Gives your garden a rustic Mediterranean look.
Top 5 Olive tree
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Olive tree care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Olive tree healthy.
- 1
Watergift
Water your olive tree sparingly. The plant is drought-resistant and dislikes waterlogging. Once a week in summer, once every 2 to 3 weeks in winter. Let the compost dry out well between waterings.
- 2
Light and location
An olive tree needs full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Place it in a sheltered sunny spot on a terrace or against a wall. The more sun, the healthier the tree and the more beautiful the silver-grey foliage.
- 3
Bemesting
Feed your olive tree monthly from April to September with Mediterranean plant food or special olive feed. No feed is needed in winter. Too much feed makes the tree grow soft and vulnerable.
- 4
Verpotten
Repot your olive tree every 3 to 4 years in March or April. Choose a pot 5 cm larger in diameter with large drainage holes. Use Mediterranean compost or a mix with sharp sand for good drainage.
- 5
Pruning and winter protection
Prune your olive tree in spring for a nicely airy crown. In frost below minus 5 degrees protect the pot with bubble wrap and the crown with fleece if needed. Mature trees in open ground are moderately hardy to minus 8 degrees.
Frequently asked questions about the Olive tree
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Olive tree.
How often should I water my olive tree?
An olive tree in a pot wants water once a week in summer and once every 2 to 3 weeks in winter. Let the compost dry out well between waterings. The olive tree is drought-resistant and suffers far more from too much water than from too little.
Is an olive tree toxic to dogs and cats?
No, the olive tree is not toxic to dogs and cats. The tree is safe in households with pets. The olives themselves are bitter raw and unappealing to animals. A pet-friendly Mediterranean choice for your terrace.
What is the difference between an olive tree on a stem, bonsai and branched?
The standard-stem version has a straight bare trunk and a round crown, perfect for a classic look. The bonsai is compact with a gnarled trunk and suited to indoors. The branched version has natural branches from the base for a shrub shape, ideal as a hedge or rustic ornamental tree.
How long does a olive tree live?
An olive tree can live 500 to 2,000 years, and some trees in Greece and Spain are older still. In a pot an olive tree lives 50 to 150 years with good care. That makes it one of the longest-living trees on earth.
Why is my olive tree getting yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves on an olive tree usually indicate too much water or poor drainage. The plant rots quickly in soggy compost. Reduce watering, check the drainage holes and, if needed, repot into airy Mediterranean compost with sharp sand.
Can an olive tree stand in the shade?
No, an olive tree needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. In shade the tree grows sparse, gets floppy branches and loses its characteristic silver-grey foliage. Always place it in a sunny, sheltered spot with dry ground.
Hoe verpot ik mijn Olijfboom?
Repot your olive tree in March or April into a pot 5 cm larger in diameter. Choose a pot with large drainage holes and use Mediterranean compost, optionally with sharp sand. Water sparingly for the first 1 to 2 weeks after repotting to avoid root damage.
Which size olive tree fits my space?
For a terrace or small patio choose an olive tree of 100 to 150 cm. For a stately focal point in the garden, 180 to 220 cm works beautifully. For indoors or a small balcony a bonsai of 40 to 80 cm is a lovely compact Mediterranean choice.
Plant concepts explained
- Oleaceae
- The scientific family name to which the olive tree belongs, also called the olive family.
- Cultivar
- A human-selected variety of a plant with specific traits, such as large olives or high hardiness.
- On a stem
- A cultivated form in which the olive tree is trained to a bare trunk with a round crown. The classic Mediterranean ornamental shape.
- Mediterraan klimaat
- The Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers and mild wet winters in which the olive tree originally thrives.
- Winterhardheid
- The degree to which a plant tolerates low temperatures. The olive tree is moderately hardy in open ground down to about minus 8 degrees.
- Gnarled trunk
- The characteristic rough, twisted trunk of older olive trees, formed by years of growth and weathering.
Resources and further reading
-
International Olive Council
Official information on olive growing and cultivars
-
Wageningen University
Scientific information on olive cultivation
-
Wikipedia
General encyclopedia information about the olive tree
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