The olive willow inspires with silvery shimmering leaves, seductively fragrant bell flowers and olive-like, edible fruits. If you are looking for a robust tree or hedge shrub that is easy to cut and have a Mediterranean flair, you will appreciate the advantages. Planted professionally in the right location, the maintenance effort is close to zero. You can read all the relevant details here in the answers to frequently asked questions.
Planting willow properly
Autumn time is planting time for the willow tree. Now the young central root system quickly establishes itself in the sun-warmed soil. Follow these steps:
- In a sunny to partially shaded location, dig a planting pit with twice the volume of the root ball
- Optimize the excavation with compost, horn shavings and some quartz sand or pumice gravel
- Unpot the oleaster and plant in the middle to just below the first pair of leaves
- Tamp down and water the soil
Finally, make a pruning to encourage bushy growth. To do this, shorten all shoots by one to two thirds.
care tips
The following care program shows why the oleaster is considered a prime example of an undemanding plant:
- In the bed, the rain covers the water requirement
- Organic start fertilization in March/April with compost and horn shavings
- Light winter protection is recommended for the first two years
- Pruning back shoots that are too long and thinning out the crown of the tree and shrub in early spring
- Wear gloves for all maintenance work to protect against possible thorns
Small oleaster species will thrive in pots, at least for a while. Regular watering and monthly Fertilize from March to August set the course for vital growth. A cover made of foil or fleece keeps the bucket with the root ball in it largely frost-free if a block of wood fends off the ground frost.
Which location is suitable?
In keeping with its southern appearance, the olive tree favors a sunny, warm and sheltered location. The tree prefers to spread its main roots in light, sandy, loamy and nutrient-poor soil. Nevertheless, the tree proves to be tolerant of partially shaded locations in any normal garden floor.
The right planting distance
Educated to standard, the willow sets decorative accents as a solitary small tree. In this case, adjust the planting distance to the expected growth height, especially in the vicinity of buildings and neighboring properties. Cultivated as a shrub in a group or as a hedge, the immensely hardy oleaster has emerged as an ideal candidate. With a planting distance of 200 to 250 cm, an opaque, harmonious appearance develops.
What soil does the plant need?
As a pioneer plant, the oleaster thrives in almost any soil, as long as the water is not permanently dammed. The tree achieves its optimum in sandy, humus-rich and loose soil, lean and well-drained. For the cultivation in the bucket, therefore, comes a thinned with sand potting soil compost-based with little or no peat content.
Properly cut oleiferous
If the oleaster thrives in your garden as a tree, cut back shoots that are too long every year in early spring. The plant has difficulty coping with a cut in the old wood. On this occasion, thin out the crown thoroughly so that light and air can reach all regions. Do the same with an olive willow bush. As a hedge plant, this gets an additional topiary in June so that the accurate and well-groomed appearance is preserved in the second half of the year. When cutting, remember that some willow species are armed with thorns.
Continue reading
watering willow
The water supply occupies a subordinate position within the framework of the care program. This applies primarily to an olive pasture in the open air. The natural rainfall is completely sufficient for the tree. Deviating from this, the wood in the planter is watered regularly, since the root ball dries out quickly in the sunny, air-flushed location.
Fertilize the pasture properly
A well-dosed portion of compost awakens the spirits of an olive tree in March/April. In addition, no further nutrient supply is required in the bed. Of course, the supplies in the bucket are quickly depleted. Apply a liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks from March to August and then water extensively.
hibernate
In the first two years we recommend winter protection, since the oleiferous willow only gradually develops its forest hardness. Before the first frost, cover the root disk with fall leaves, straw or brushwood. To prevent an evergreen variety from shedding its leaves, cover the branches with breathable fleece. In tub culture, it makes sense to cover them with foil or bast mats every year, since only a little soil protects the root ball from frost. The extremely sensitive variegated willow will ideally move to a frost-free, bright winter quarters.
increase willow
A varietal propagation succeeds with the help of cuttings. If the olive tree is full of sap, cut 10-15 cm long, non-flowering top cuttings. The lower half is defoliated to prevent rot from forming in the substrate. Place the cuttings two-thirds of their length in a pot with lean potting or propagating soil. In a semi-shady, sheltered location, with regular water supply, rooting sets in quickly. Care for the young plants until the pot is completely rooted. In spring or autumn you can plant out your little ones.
Olive oil in the pot
At least for a few years you can cultivate the olive tree in the bucket. The top priority for a successful course is a balanced supply of water and nutrients. As a substrate, use a high-quality potting soil that is both structurally stable and water-storing. Water regularly when the soil has dried. From March to August, give a liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. To keep the ornamental tree in shape, cut the shoots into shape every late winter. If possible, avoid cutting into the old wood. Every 2 or 3 years repot the shrub or tree in fresh substrate.
Are the fruits of an olive tree edible?
The pea-sized to oblong, reddish fruits are edible. Of course, don't expect any culinary delights, because the floury pulp has hardly any aroma. In addition, the inside of the berries remains rock hard. Rich in vitamin C and protein, the fruits of the narrow-leaved willow tree are very popular in the Orient and are eaten there as food. We recommend leaving the berries on the tree and shrub for the garden birds to enjoy during the harsh winter months.
Continue reading
Beautiful varieties
- silver oleaster: Thornless shrub with silvery leaves, yellowish flowers and small fruits on red-brown twigs; 2-2.5m
- Oleasteria: A majestic tree with lanceolate leaves, fragrant flowers and yellow, edible fruits; 7 m
- Polar Lights: A Russian oleaster, deciduous, silvery foliage and light spines; ideal for the bird protection hedge; 4-6 m
- Maculata: The variegated, rather small variety impresses with yellow-green leaves, yellow flowers and tiny fruits; 1-2 m
- Coral Oleaster: Slightly ruffled leaves on thorny branches with fragrant flowers and reddish berries; 3-4 m
