Olive Tree Care
The olive tree (Olea europaea) is a Mediterranean outdoor plant with a gnarled trunk and silvery-green leaves. It loves plenty of sun, little water, and is hardy down to approx. -7°C when well sheltered. With its timeless look, it's a lasting eye-catcher in the garden or on the patio. We're happy to explain everything about its care.
Olive Tree Care
Olive tree care tips at a glance
| Guarantee | Fresh from the grower | |
| Delivery type | Outdoor plant delivered in nursery pot | |
| Latin name | Olea europaea | |
| Location | Full sun | |
| Water needs | ± 1x per week | |
| Toxic | Non-toxic | |
| Winter hardiness | Hardy down to approx. -7°C | |
| Maintenance | Low |
Olive tree Olea Europaea Lorc
200 cm
50cm
In stock, delivery time 1–5 working days
Olive tree Olea Europaea Pom Pon Plateau
160 cm
70 cm
379
95
In stock, delivery time 1–5 working days
“Did you know an olive tree can live for thousands of years? Around the Mediterranean, there are specimens that have been growing since Roman times. With your own olive tree, you bring a piece of that centuries-old Mediterranean history into your garden.”
Frequently asked questions about the Olive Tree
Quick answers to the most common questions about water, winter hardiness, pruning, and care.
Is an olive tree hardy in winter?
An olive tree is reasonably winter-hardy: well-rooted specimens in the ground can temporarily withstand frost down to approx. -7°C, with some cold-tolerant varieties handling even a bit more. Young trees and potted olive trees are much more sensitive to frost. Protect the crown with garden fleece during prolonged hard frost, and cover the roots with a thick layer of mulch or straw. If your olive tree is in a pot, move it to a cool, bright, frost-free spot during prolonged night frost, such as an unheated conservatory or a garage with daylight.
How much water does an olive tree need?
An olive tree is naturally used to dry, rocky soil and doesn't like wet feet. Only water once the top 3 to 5 centimetres of soil feel dry: in summer that's usually about once a week, in winter much less often. Always make sure the pot has drainage holes or the soil drains well, so excess water can run off. If in doubt, give a little too little rather than too much water - an olive tree recovers better from temporary drought than from long-term wet roots.
When and how should I prune my olive tree?
The best time to prune an olive tree is in spring, once the risk of hard frost has passed. Remove dead, damaged, or frost-damaged branches, as well as branches growing inward or crossing each other, so the crown stays open and airy. Prune gradually and don't remove too much at once: an olive tree readily sprouts new growth from old wood, but taking off too much at once can unnecessarily weaken the tree.
How fast does an olive tree grow?
An olive tree is naturally a slow grower: expect a few centimetres to around 20 centimetres of new growth per year, depending on location, temperature, and feeding. That slow growth is also exactly why olive trees can become so old: in their natural habitat, some specimens live for hundreds of years. Patience with this tree is richly rewarded with a strong, characterful trunk.
Why does my olive tree have yellow leaves or leaf drop?
The most common cause is too much water: the roots of an olive tree don't like prolonged wet soil and respond with yellow leaves or leaf drop. Too little sun, cold, wind, or stress from being moved can also cause leaf loss. Is your olive tree losing leaves in winter in a warm, dark room? That's often a normal response to save energy, and in spring the tree will simply sprout again. If in doubt, first check the soil, the location, and the drainage.
Do I need to bring my olive tree indoors in winter?
Not necessarily: an olive tree can overwinter perfectly well outdoors in a sheltered, sunny spot with good drainage. If your tree is in a pot and prolonged hard frost is forecast, it's wise to move it to a cool, bright, frost-free space, such as an unheated conservatory, a garage with daylight, or against a sheltered wall, with the pot wrapped in garden fleece or bubble wrap. Keep the tree outside for as long as possible for enough light, and gradually move it back into full sun in spring.
Is an olive tree toxic to pets?
No, the olive tree (Olea europaea) is not known to be toxic to dogs, cats, or other pets. The leaves, bark, and fruit don't contain any substances that are directly dangerous if eaten. If a pet does eat a large amount of leaves or olives, the fibre and oil content can temporarily cause an upset stomach or mild diarrhoea. So keep an eye on young dogs and cats to make sure they don't eat too many leaves or fallen olives.
