Olive is always a green tree, growing up to 12 m in height. It is extremely hardy and viable - individual trees can live up to 1500 years of age, still bearing fruit. For example, a 1,500-year-old tree near Split in Croatia produces around 30 kg of olives each year. Olive is characterized by great resistance to unfavorable environmental conditions - it performs well in rocky, dry and sunny positions.It also has enormous regenerative abilities - it even bounces when cut down to the ground. This feature is used in cultivation - the olive tree can be freely cut and shaped, it is also perfect for bonsai art. Apart from the practical qualities, olive trees have a graceful habit. Slightly overhanging branches grow on a bent and twisted trunk. The plant is also a nice color accent - the whole tree has a light, gray-green color. The trunk and branches have a light gray bark, and small lanceolate leaves are covered with a cutter. In spring, the shoots are covered with tiny white flowers.
Olives look very impressive when grown in pots placed in full sun. They bring a southern climate to the terrace, especially when accompanied by other Mediterranean plants (oleanders, laurel, myrtle, citrus, rosemary, lavender).
They like a fairly light, well-drained substrate and very moderate watering. Good drainage is essential.Plants are fed from April to August with compound fertilizer. In winter, the olive is moved to a bright room with a temperature of 5-8°C. Water carefully, taking care not to overflow. During this period, the substrate humidity should be only 20-30%.
