Olive tree 'ALLORA'
Olea europaea 'ALLORA' · Oleaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant olive tree 'allora': set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, silvery gray-green
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Adult size
- 3 to 4 m tall, compact habit
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- -12 to -15 °C depending on the year
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates lime
Care
Sunlight
Place your olive tree in full sun, with a minimum of 6 to 8 hours daily. The more light it receives, the more vigorous and productive it will be. Avoid overly shaded areas that slow down its growth and fruiting.
Watering
Once established, the olive tree is drought-tolerant. Water moderately during the first two years to encourage good root development. Afterwards, gradually reduce watering: in very hot summers, weekly watering is sufficient. Let the soil dry out between waterings.
Soil and drainage
Prepare well-drained soil, even rocky or sandy: the olive tree fears waterlogging. If your soil is clay-based and compact, amend it with sand, gravel, or pumice. Lime poses no problem.
Fertilizer
In spring, apply balanced fertilizer or one slightly enriched in potassium to encourage flowering and fruit set. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. One annual application is enough for an established tree.
Pruning and training
Prune lightly in late winter (February-March) to open up the center and remove dead wood. The 'ALLORA' olive tolerates formative pruning well. Be patient: growth is slow, but the tree will develop better balance and productivity.
Diseases and pests
Watch for olive fruit fly and anthracnose in very humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the foliage. In Mediterranean or dry climates, these problems are rare. A preventative copper treatment in autumn strengthens protection.
Did you know?
The olive tree is a legendary species: in the Mediterranean, some specimens have exceeded 2000 years of age. 'ALLORA' is a modern cultivar selected for its compact habit and productivity, ideal for small gardens. Since Antiquity, Greeks and Romans have considered the olive tree a symbol of peace and wisdom, a status it retains intact today!
Where to buy it
Best planted in spring or autumn, away from frost and heatwaves. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September, October.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Olive treeOlea europaea
- Wild privetLigustrum vulgare
- LilacSyringa vulgaris
- Green ashFraxinus pennsylvanica
- Narrow-leaved mock privetPhillyrea angustifolia
- California privetLigustrum ovalifolium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.