Common Olive Tree

The Common Olive Tree – A Beautiful, Evergreen Houseplant with Edible Benefits

The Common Olive Tree (Olea europaea) is a striking and functional houseplant that brings a touch of the Mediterranean into your home. With its elegant, silvery-green foliage and the potential to produce edible olives, this tree is both an ornamental beauty and a conversation starter. Whether you want to cultivate a living piece of history or simply enjoy a resilient, low-maintenance plant, the olive tree is an excellent choice.

Why You’ll Love the Common Olive Tree

• Stunning Evergreen Foliage – The tree's narrow, glossy leaves maintain their dark green color year-round, adding a lush and sophisticated feel to any indoor space.
• Fragrant White Blooms – In late spring to early summer, delicate white flowers emerge, filling the air with a pleasant aroma.
• Edible Olives – Under the right conditions, your tree may produce olives, allowing you to experience the joy of growing your own fruit.
• Drought-Tolerant & Hardy – Olive trees are exceptionally resilient and require minimal watering, making them ideal for busy plant owners.
• Indoor or Outdoor Growth – While perfect as a houseplant, this tree can also be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10.

A Stunning and Functional Houseplant

The Common Olive Tree is a fantastic houseplant for those who love greenery but don’t want a high-maintenance plant. Its elegant, small, glossy leaves give it a refined look, while its slow growth makes it easy to manage indoors. The tree naturally grows into an attractive shape, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain its form.

Place your olive tree in a bright, sunny window, and it will thrive with very little care. It’s perfect for adding an organic, modern touch to any decor—whether you prefer a minimalist, rustic, or Mediterranean aesthetic. Though they arrive small, with proper care, these trees are likely to fruit within the first 3 years!

Growing the Common Olive Tree Indoors

When grown inside, this tree needs:

• Bright, direct sunlight – At least 6+ hours of sunlight daily, preferably near a south-facing window.
• Well-draining soil – A sandy or loamy mix will keep roots healthy and prevent overwatering issues.
• Minimal watering – Olive trees prefer to dry out slightly between waterings, making them forgiving for those who forget to water regularly.
• Occasional pruning – If necessary, light pruning can help shape your tree and encourage new growth.

Because of its drought tolerance, the Common Olive Tree is well-suited for those who want a low-maintenance yet beautiful houseplant.

You're on the right track! The phrase "extending an olive branch" does originate from ancient traditions where the olive branch symbolized peace, reconciliation, and a desire to end conflict. However, rather than being solely about apologizing, it is more commonly associated with offering peace—whether that means apologizing, accepting an apology, or signaling a willingness to move forward in harmony.

With that in mind, gifting an olive tree is not just about saying “I’m sorry,” but rather about offering peace, restoring relationships, and fostering goodwill. Here’s a better way to frame it:

The Olive Tree – A Symbol of Peace & Reconciliation

The olive tree has long been a symbol of peace, unity, and renewal, dating back to ancient civilizations. The phrase "extending an olive branch" represents the desire to mend relationships, move past conflicts, and embrace harmony.

A Meaningful Gift for Reconciliation

Gifting an olive tree is a powerful gesture when you want to show someone that you value your relationship and want to move forward in peace. Whether you're offering an apology, accepting one, or simply hoping to rebuild a connection, this living symbol of forgiveness and renewal speaks louder than words.

Why the Olive Tree is a Perfect Symbol of Peace:

• A Lasting Reminder – Unlike flowers, which fade, an olive tree continues to grow, symbolizing lasting peace and resilience.
• More Than Just an Apology – This gift isn’t just about saying “I’m sorry”—it’s about showing a commitment to healing, growth, and unity.
• A Universal Sign of Harmony – Across cultures, olive trees represent diplomacy, understanding, and the hope for a peaceful future.

Offering an olive tree is a beautiful way to say "Let's move forward together"—whether you're apologizing, accepting an apology, or simply offering a token of peace and goodwill.

Outdoor Growth & Planting Guide

While often grown indoors, the Common Olive Tree can also thrive outdoors in USDA Zones 8-10, where winters are mild. If you live in zones 4-7, you can still place your tree outside during the warmer months and bring it back inside when temperatures drop below 30°F.

Outdoor Planting Tips

• Full Sun – At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily is essential for healthy growth and fruit production.
• Well-Draining Soil – Olive trees thrive in sandy, rocky, or well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay that retains too much moisture.
• Drought Resistance – Once established, outdoor olive trees require very little watering and can handle dry conditions with ease.
• Cold Protection – If temperatures drop below freezing, cover outdoor trees or bring potted ones inside to protect them.

When grown outdoors, the Common Olive Tree can reach up to 20-30 feet tall but can easily be pruned to maintain a smaller, manageable size.

Will Your Olive Tree Produce Fruit Indoors?

One of the most common questions about growing an olive tree indoors is whether it will produce fruit. The answer? It’s possible!

To encourage fruiting:

• Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily (or use grow lights).
• Maintain a warm environment (65-80°F) year-round.
• Avoid excessive pruning that may remove potential flower buds.
• If flowers appear, hand-pollination can help encourage fruit development indoors.

While fruiting indoors is less common, many plant lovers enjoy this tree for its beautiful foliage and easy care, whether or not olives develop.

Interesting Facts About the Common Olive Tree

• Symbol of Peace & Longevity – Olive trees have been cultivated for thousands of years and are a symbol of peace, prosperity, and endurance. Some trees in the Mediterranean are over 1,000 years old and still producing fruit!
• Low Allergen Potential – Unlike many flowering plants, olive tree pollen is minimal when grown indoors, making it a good choice for allergy-sensitive households.
• Natural Air Purifier – Like other houseplants, olive trees help improve indoor air quality by filtering out toxins.
• Bonsai Potential – With proper pruning, you can train your olive tree into a bonsai, creating a compact yet stunning plant for small spaces.

Is the Common Olive Tree Right for You?

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, stylish, and edible houseplant, the Common Olive Tree is a fantastic choice. It thrives in bright light, requires little watering, and offers a touch of Mediterranean charm to any home.

Whether you’re an experienced plant owner or a beginner, this tree is an excellent addition to your indoor garden. Order yours today and bring the beauty and history of the olive tree into your home!