Olea europaea – Olive Tree

The Olea europaea, the majestic Olive Tree, is a symbol of peace and Mediterranean sun. With its gnarled trunk that becomes more sculptural over time and its fine, silvery-grey foliage, it brings a touch of rustic charm and timeless elegance. Grown in a pot, it becomes a magnificent ornamental plant for patios, balconies, and very bright interiors. In a climate like Quebec's, it is essential to bring it indoors before the first frost to survive the winter.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Its evergreen foliage is composed of small, narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The top is a discreet grey-green, while the underside reveals a luminous silvery hue that shimmers in the sun.
• Light: This is the most important condition for its success. The Olive Tree requires full sun. It needs a maximum of direct light, at least 6 to 8 hours per day. A spot near a south-facing window is ideal indoors.
• Habit: It has the upright habit of a small tree. Over the years, its trunk takes on a highly sought-after gnarled and sculptural appearance. It can be pruned to maintain a more compact or bushy shape.
• Growth: Growth is slow to moderate, especially in a pot.
• Humidity: It tolerates dry air very well, which makes it a good candidate for our homes.
• Potting Mix: Perfect drainage is non-negotiable. Use a cactus and succulent mix, or a blend to which you add plenty of coarse sand or perlite to ensure an airy soil that does not retain water.
• Watering: It is very drought-resistant. Allow the potting mix to dry out almost completely between waterings. It is much more sensitive to overwatering than to being forgotten.
• Fruiting: Producing olives is very rare and difficult in a pot indoors, as it requires specific pollination and temperature conditions. It is grown mainly for the beauty of its foliage.
• Resistances: Very resistant to drought and heat.

Use

• Types of Use: Magnificent in a pot as a statement plant on a sunny terrace, patio, or balcony, or in a sunroom. Indoors, it must be placed in the brightest room of the house.
• Decorative Benefits: Its Mediterranean look is unparalleled. The silvery foliage brings light and an interesting contrast to other greener plants. It is synonymous with holidays and warmth.

Care

• Fertilizing: Fertilize moderately with a balanced fertilizer about once a month from spring to late summer.
• Pruning: Prune lightly in early spring to maintain a beautiful shape, aerate the center, and control its size.
• Overwintering: This is a crucial step. Bring the Olive Tree indoors as soon as nighttime temperatures approach 0°C. Place it in a cool and very bright room for the winter. Reduce watering during this period.