Olea europaea

Natural range of Olea europaea

Olea europaea is native across parts of Africa and the Mediterranean region, with its range extending east into southern central China. Around the Mediterranean, people have grown olives for thousands of years for their fruit and oil.

In the wild, the species grows as an evergreen shrub or tree in warm climates.

Container care for Olea europaea

• Light: Give it the brightest position available, with direct sun. A sheltered outdoor position during warm weather can provide the light intensity olives prefer.
• Temperature: A steady 5–28 °C suits it. Protect the roots and container from hard frost; cooler bright conditions are suitable when growth is slow. When grown in a container, keep prolonged exposure below about −5 °C to a minimum.
• Humidity: Average indoor humidity suits a container olive. Keep good air movement around the foliage.
• Water: Water deeply while the tree is growing when the mix has dried partway through, then let excess water escape. A container should drain freely after every watering.
• Growing mix: Use a soil-based potting mix with added grit for good drainage.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid feed while the tree is actively growing.
• Repotting: Move to a larger container when roots have filled the pot and need more space. Move to the next pot size once the root ball is crowded, keeping the plant at the same depth.
• Pruning: Trim the tips of long shoots to control size and encourage branching. Remove dead or damaged wood with clean tools.

Signs of stress in Olea europaea

• Purple-brown circular spots or rings followed by leaf fall: Olive scab is a likely cause. Remove fallen affected leaves, keep the crown airy, and direct watering to the growing mix so foliage dries quickly.
• Brown shell-like bumps with sticky leaves or black sooty growth: Scale insects may be feeding on the stems and foliage. Isolate the plant, remove small infestations by hand where practical, and choose a scale treatment labelled for ornamental plants and follow the product directions.
• Brown leaf edges with a very light, dry pot: The potting mix has dried too far. Water thoroughly until the whole mix is rehydrated, let it drain, and check moisture more regularly during bright warm conditions.
• Yellowing leaves with a mix that stays wet for many days: The mix is draining too slowly around the roots. Extend the watering interval and refresh compacted mix if needed.

Keep Olea europaea away from children and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear, and plant material can still cause an upset stomach.
• Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or do not settle.

When was Olea europaea first published, and what does it mean?

Olea is the classical Latin name for the olive tree. The epithet europaea means European.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Olea in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 8.

Carl Linnaeus first described Olea europaea in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 8.