The plant you have chosen is the Olea europaea, the classic Olive Tree, a symbol of peace and longevity. Your tree, standing at a neat 60cm tall in its 15cm pot, is a lovely, compact size, perfectly suited for adding a touch of timeless Mediterranean elegance to your home or patio.
The Olive Tree is a quintessential evergreen plant, providing beautiful foliage all year round. Its leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and densely arranged on the stems, giving the plant an elegant look. Their colour ranges from a distinctive silvery-green to dark green, with the silvery tone being particularly prominent on the underside. The leaves are somewhat firm and leathery. Your tree is a charming, compact version of this iconic plant. It does not have any spines.
At 60cm, your Olea europaea is an attractive, medium-sized feature. While mature olives are large, when kept in a pot, their growth is naturally restricted and can be controlled through pruning. This size is ideal for easy movement between an indoor sunny spot and an outdoor patio, allowing you to enjoy its beauty for many seasons.
The Olea typically produces small, inconspicuous white flowers during the summer months (late spring/early summer). These blooms are subtle but possess a light, mild fragrance. Following the flowers, the tree may produce olives (fruit) in the autumn. The production of fruit is not guaranteed indoors and depends on maturity, excellent sunlight, and sometimes pollination, but it adds a charming point of interest.
The Olive Tree is celebrated for its low-maintenance care, provided you meet its need for abundant light.
Location: The Olea thrives best in a sunny spot, which is non-negotiable for its health. Indoors, it must be placed near a window with plenty of natural light (ideally south-facing). Outdoor placement is also suitable, but ensure the spot is sheltered from strong winds and frost, as extreme cold can damage the plant.
Water requirements: The Olea has moderate water needs. You should allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. During the summer, the plant may require slightly more frequent watering due to heat, but you must always avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Note: The fruit (olives) and leaves of the Olea europaea are non-toxic. Olives, however, require extensive curing (brining) before they are fit for human consumption due to their raw bitterness.
