Growing Topiary Olive Tree (Olea europaea 'Arbequina'): Container & Ground Care

About Your Tree

Slow-growing, evergreen, gray-green leaves. Spanish Arbequina variety with weeping habit. Two plants twined into topiary, attached to support with raffia. Check ties; loosen if cutting into stems.

Container Growing (Zones <8)

• Light: Full sun (≥6 hrs); south window ideal. Avoid heat vents/radiators; not too close to window (magnifying glass effect).
• Water: When mix dry 1″ down. Less in fall/winter (rest period), but don't let dry completely.
• Fertilizer: Fall/winter: monthly balanced houseplant (20-20-20). Spring/summer: every 2 weeks or timed-release.
• Summer Outdoors: After frost, acclimate 1 week (shade to sun). Full sun summer; bring in before fall frost.
• Repotting: After ~1 year when roots crowded. Pot 1–2″ wider, drainage hole, fast-draining mix. Water thoroughly after.

Ground Growing (Zones 8+)

• Acclimate: 1 week as above.
• Site: Full sun, protected from drying winds. Fertile, very well-drained soil (amend with compost + grit/pea gravel).
• Planting: Hole 2× pot width, same depth. Loosen root ball, set, backfill, firm, make water basin, fill.
• Fertilizer: Spring (when small white flowers appear): monthly balanced granular 10-10-10 or timed-release 3-month. Stop after October.

Pruning

After spring bloom: clip branch tips to encourage full head. Cut ¼″ above leaf pair. Keep branches ≥6″ long.

Pests

Soft-bodied scale (yellow-brown insects on stems). Container: spray insecticidal soap, BioNeem, or superior oil (indoor label). Cotton swab with rubbing alcohol works but tedious.