Olea europaea  “on stem”, more commonly known as the olive tree, is a classic symbol of the Mediterranean landscape and a timeless favourite among garden enthusiasts. It's a small tree or shrub trained to grow on a single stem with a rounded canopy, making it an elegant choice for terraces, patios, and ornamental borders.

This particular plant, standing about 60 centimetres tall and grown in a 15 cm pot, is still young but has the potential to develop into a charming miniature tree. With time and proper care, it can reach between 2 to 4 metres in height, though it can be easily maintained at a smaller size through gentle pruning.

The olive tree is evergreen, retaining its foliage year-round. Its leaves are narrow and elongated, with a striking contrast between the silvery-green upper surface and the pale, almost whitish underside, which shimmers beautifully in sunlight — one of the reasons this plant is so admired for its decorative quality.

In late spring to early summer, the olive tree produces clusters of tiny, creamy-white flowers. These are subtle and not overly showy, but they have a delicate charm and a soft, pleasant fragrance. With sufficient warmth and sunlight, mature plants may even develop small olives later in the season, turning from green to deep purple-black as they ripen.

Caring for Olea europaea is relatively simple. It thrives in full sun and loves warmth, so it should be placed in the sunniest spot available — ideally outdoors. The soil should be well-drained and not prone to waterlogging; olive trees dislike “wet feet.” Watering should be moderate — the soil can be allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Once established, it becomes highly drought-tolerant, a hallmark of its Mediterranean heritage.

While it is mainly grown outdoors, it can also be kept in containers and moved indoors temporarily during colder months, provided it receives plenty of light. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth, but heavy pruning is unnecessary.