Olea europaea (Olive Tree) Care Guide

Olea europaea, commonly known as the olive tree, is an elegant and timeless plant that brings a Mediterranean charm to gardens, patios, and courtyards. With its silvery-green foliage, gnarled trunk, and potential for fruit production, it makes a stunning ornamental or productive tree. Given the right conditions, an olive tree can thrive for many years, requiring relatively low maintenance while providing year-round interest.

Planting and Positioning

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun; requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to maintain healthy growth and encourage fruiting.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil; loamy, sandy, or chalky soils with a neutral to alkaline pH are ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils unless improved with grit or sand.
• Container Growing: Ideal for pots or planters; use a free-draining soil mix and ensure pots have drainage holes.
• Shelter: Though hardy down to approximately -5°C, it benefits from a sheltered location to protect against harsh frosts and cold winds.
• Spacing: If planting in the ground, allow at least 1.5–2 metres (5-7 feet) between trees to accommodate growth.

Watering, Feeding, and General Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry periods.
  • Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged—avoid standing water.
  • Reduce watering in autumn and winter, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
  • A high-potassium feed, such as a tomato or citrus fertilizer, can be used in summer to promote flowering and fruit production.

• Mulching:

  • Apply a light layer of mulch around the base in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid direct contact with the trunk.

Pruning and Long-Term Care

• Pruning:

  • Best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
  • Remove dead, weak, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and shape the tree.
  • A light prune in summer can help maintain its compact, rounded crown.

• Overwintering:

  • Hardy in milder climates, but in colder regions, protect with horticultural fleece or move to a greenhouse/conservatory during severe frosts.
  • If grown in a pot, move to a sheltered area or indoors when temperatures drop below -5°C.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Generally pest-resistant, but may occasionally be affected by scale insects, spider mites, or aphids. Treat with insecticidal soap if necessary.
  • Prevent root rot by ensuring well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.

With its stunning evergreen foliage and Mediterranean character, Olea europaea Half Standard Stem makes a fantastic feature in any outdoor space, thriving with the right care and attention. Whether planted in the ground or a container, this timeless tree will provide year-round interest and beauty.

• Size
  10-12 Litre

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

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