Olea europaea (Olive tree)
Appearance of the plant
Graceful, gray-green, narrow leaves with a silvery underside
Sturdy trunk that develops characterful shapes and cracks over the years
Location
Sunny, warm place with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day
Ideal for patio, balcony or open ground in a sheltered garden
Indoors only in a very bright location, for example in a conservatory
Water requirement
Moderate watering: allow the top layer of soil to dry before watering again
Water more often in a pot than in open ground
Tolerates short periods of drought, but not long-term wet roots
Winter hardiness
Fairly hardy: tolerates temperatures down to approx. -8°C to -10°C
In cold or wet winters, protect with fleece or overwinter indoors.
More sensitive to cold in a pot than in open ground
Fun fact: Olive trees can live for hundreds of years and are a symbol of peace, wisdom, and abundance in Mediterranean culture.
