The plant you have chosen is the Olea europaea, the classic Olive Tree, presented in the very popular and stylish "on stem" form, which means it has been trained to grow with a clear, straight trunk topped by a rounded canopy. Your tree, standing at a graceful 90cm tall in its 19cm pot, is a quintessential Mediterranean feature that adds a touch of timeless class and sophistication to any space.
The Olive Tree is an evergreen plant, providing beautiful foliage throughout all seasons. The tree's most striking feature is its characteristic woody trunk supporting a compact, ball-shaped crown. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and display a muted grey-green colour on the surface, complemented by a light, silvery underside. This subtle, two-toned foliage is highly emblematic of the Mediterranean look. The tree is structurally sound and does not have any spines.
At 90cm, your Olea europaea is an established size, making an immediate impact. The "on stem" form is specifically maintained to keep the tree contained and decorative. While the tree's overall height is set by the trunk, the crown can be easily kept in its compact, ball-shaped form through regular pruning, allowing it to remain a manageable and elegant focal point for many years.
In spring, the Olive Tree may produce small, delicate, white flowers that appear in clusters. These blooms are subtle but possess a subtle fragrance. Following flowering, the tree may produce olives (fruit) in the autumn. The production of fruit is always a charming bonus but depends on factors like age, light intensity, and pollination.
This resilient tree requires straightforward care, centred on providing sufficient sunlight and avoiding waterlogging.
Placement: This plant prefers a sunny, warm location. It is ideal for outdoors on a terrace or balcony during the warmer months, but it can also be kept indoors provided it has plenty of light (e.g., a bright south-facing window). Crucially, place it sheltered from wind and frost, as strong, cold drafts or freezing temperatures can cause damage.
Water requirements: You should water regularly, ensuring the soil is thoroughly moistened. However, you must allow the soil to slightly dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. During summer, the plant requires more water due to evaporation and active growth than it does in winter when growth slows. You must always avoid keeping the roots in soggy soil.
Note: The fruit (olives) and leaves of the Olea europaea are non-toxic. However, raw olives are intensely bitter and require curing (brining) to be made edible.
