Olea europaea is part of the Oleaceae family, the native range of this species is Africa, Mediterranean to S. Central China where it grows as a shrub or tree primarily in the subtropical biome.
Olea europaea can be grown outside during the warmer months but they do best in hot-dry summers and mild-wet winters. Leaves are arranged oppositely, they are elliptic to lance shaped with grey-green upper sides and silvery undersides. Olive trees require at least two months of sub 10˚C. winter temperatures in order to produce flowers, it is possible to grow them outdoors in the UK but can be risky with the frost we experience.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for olive and the specific epithet means of Europe.
Light: Bright, direct light, 6 hours per day is ideal.
Water: Allow the potting mix to dry out almost completely between waterings.
Potting mix: A well-draining mix of John Innes No 3 and about 20% horticultural grit.
Fertilising: Feed once a month during the growing season.
Temperature: Ideal range is 10-29˚C. Winter temperatures 4-10˚C
Humidity: Low to average humidity is fine.
Olea europaea are toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.