Exposure & placement

• Exposure: full sun, at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Ideal on a balcony, terrace, windowsill, or bright patio.
• Indoors, place near a south- or west-facing window for maximum light.
• Enjoys warmth and light but fears frost in pots (bring indoors below −2 °C).

Verdeia tip: pair your olive tree with lavenders, rosemary, or aromatic herbs to create a mini Southern garden.

Watering & maintenance

• Watering: moderate — allow the soil to dry between waterings.
• Substrate: light and well-draining (mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite).
• Ideal temperature: between 10 and 28 °C; bring indoors if temperatures drop below −2 °C.
• Pruning: light after flowering to maintain a balanced silhouette.
• In winter, reduce watering and favor a bright, cool location.

Water more in summer, but avoid water stagnating in the saucer: the olive tree hates excess.

Benefits & symbolism

• Universal symbol of peace, prosperity, and longevity.
• Bright silvery foliage that beautifully reflects light.
• Robust, durable, and drought-resistant plant.
• Purifies the air and brings an authentic Mediterranean touch to any space.

Its silvery foliage and rustic texture create a harmonious contrast with urban materials like stone, light wood, or metal.

Decor ideas & plant pairings

• Combine it with a Phormium ‘Rubra Nana’ for a graphic and colorful contrast.
• Pair with a Carex ‘Ice Dance’ to soften its silvery lines.
• Complement with lavender, thyme, rosemary, or sage for a Southern ambiance.
• Perfectly suited for decor in terracotta, light wood, or natural concrete.

Verdeia Tips

• Expose your olive tree to as much sun as possible, even in the city.
• Use a well-draining soil to avoid excess moisture.
• Bring it indoors in winter if temperatures drop below zero.
• Clean the leaves from time to time to maintain their silvery shine.

The olive tree is a faithful companion that improves with time: the older it gets, the more beautiful it becomes.

Technical characteristics

• Botanical name: Olea europaea
• Common name: Olive tree / European olive
• Family: Oleaceae
• Origin: Mediterranean basin
• Type: Ornamental and fruit tree
• Foliage: evergreen, silvery, leathery
• Pot diameter: Ø13 to 22 cm
• Approximate height: varies by size (approx. 25–60 cm)
• Maximum adult size: up to 1 m in pot
• Exposure: full sun, very bright
• Watering: moderate, let dry between waterings
• Substrate: well-draining potting soil (soil + sand/perlite)
• Temperature: 10–28 °C, bring indoors below −2 °C
• Hardiness: down to −2 °C (in pot)
• Care: easy — light pruning after flowering, moderate watering
• Toxicity: non-toxic to pets 🐾
• Decorative style: Mediterranean / Contemporary / Natural

Each olive tree is unique: its trunk naturally shapes over the years, offering a lively and authentic charm.