The olive tree Olea Europaea Lorc, often referred to as the true olive tree, is a beautiful Mediterranean plant that brings a relaxed holiday atmosphere directly to your home or balcony. With its gnarled trunk and unique silvery-green leaves, this plant adds a touch of southern nature to any environment. A fascinating feature of this tree is its almost biblical age, which it can reach with good care – it is a true symbol of peace and longevity. The dark green upper side of the leaves is complemented by a silvery-grey underside, which creates a beautiful, shimmering play of colours in the wind. The trunk becomes more rustic and characterful with age, adding an extra dimension to the plant.
Typical characteristics:
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Mediterranean, characterful appearance with gnarled growth
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evergreen, silvery shimmering leaves
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pet-friendly and safe
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creates a sunny, relaxed holiday atmosphere
☀️ Location, soil and more.
The olive tree is a true sun worshipper and likes it bright and warm. The right location is crucial for the plant to stay healthy and maintain its dense crown.
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Location: full sun and warm
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direct sun is explicitly desired and required
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ideal for balcony, patio or garden in summer
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Perfect for sunny south-facing windows or as a potted plant outdoors (but requires cool winter quarters).
🌿 Care of Olea Europaea Lorc – Overview
This plant is not only a feast for the eyes but also easy to care for if a few needs are met, especially when overwintering. It is excellent for plant lovers who want to bring a piece of the Mediterranean home.
🌱 Growth
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grows as a shrub or small tree (often cultivated as a standard)
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grows rather slowly, but very persistently
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develops a thick, gnarled trunk over time
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contributes to a rustic and Mediterranean appearance.
🍃 Leaves
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narrow, lanceolate and leathery firm
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upper side dark to grey-green
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underside shimmers strikingly silvery-white
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The gentle rustling and shimmering of the leaves in the wind is a spectacle in itself.
💧 Watering / Water
Unlike tropical plants, the olive tree is accustomed to drought, but still requires regular watering when potted.
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allow the soil surface to dry out well between waterings
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avoid dry root balls in young plants, older trees are more tolerant
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water thoroughly, but drain off excess water immediately
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Waterlogging, however, quickly leads to root rot – this is the olive tree's biggest enemy!
🌼 Fertilising
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from spring to late summer (approx. April to August): every 2–3 weeks
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preferably use a high-quality citrus or Mediterranean plant fertiliser
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stop fertilising completely in winter
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Nutrient deficiency often manifests as falling or yellowing leaves during the growth phase.
🌱 Substrate
A loose and permeable soil climate is enormously important, as the roots do not tolerate moisture:
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nutrient-rich, but mineral
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very well draining
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calcareous to neutral (slightly alkaline)
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A mixture of high-quality potting soil, plenty of sand and clay granules (or pumice/lava grit) works perfectly.
🪴 Repotting
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every 2 to 4 years in spring, when the pot is fully rooted
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Olive trees form deep roots, so tall, deep pots are often better than shallow bowls.
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definitely ensure a good drainage layer (e.g. expanded clay) at the bottom of the pot!
✂️ Pruning
The Olea Europaea Lorc is very tolerant of pruning and can be easily kept in shape.
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the best time for pruning is early spring (February/March)
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remove dried or inwardly growing branches completely
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overly long shoots can be shortened to maintain a beautiful, compact crown
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always use sharp and clean tools.
🌱 Propagating Olea Europaea Lorc
Propagation requires some patience but is possible through cuttings:
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cut semi-hardwood tip cuttings (approx. 10 cm long) in early summer
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remove lower leaves and place in propagation soil with sand mixture
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allow to root in high humidity and warmth (a mini-greenhouse helps a lot here).
☠️ Is the olive tree poisonous?
No – the Olea Europaea Lorc is completely non-toxic.
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safe for cats and dogs
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safe for small animals
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Similar to lemon trees (without the thorns) or lavender, it is an absolutely safe option for all pet owners.
👉 You can safely place it on your balcony or in the living room where your furry friends roam.
🧠 Other care tips
Olive trees are usually not completely hardy in our latitudes:
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Overwintering: Place the tree in a bright and cool place in winter (approx. 5–10 °C). An unheated winter garden, a bright stairwell or a cool garage with a window are ideal.
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Pests: Look out for scale insects or mealybugs in the winter quarters. Poor ventilation encourages these.
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Water very sparingly in winter – but the root ball must never dry out completely.
✅ Conclusion
With its Mediterranean appearance and pet-friendly nature, the olive tree Olea Europaea Lorc is an excellent choice for all sun worshippers. It is easy to care for in the right location, ideal for balconies, patios or sunny rooms, and creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Let this beautiful, traditional plant beautify your home or outdoor area.