🌿 Caring for Olive Trees in Scotland.

Olive trees might bring Mediterranean vibes to mind, but with the right care they can thrive surprisingly well in Scottish gardens. The key is understanding what Olea europaea needs — and adapting that to our cooler, wetter climate.

Here’s how to keep your olive tree healthy, happy, and looking stunning all year round.✨

☀️ 1. Choose the Sunniest Spot Possible

Olive trees love sun.

• Place in a south-facing position

• Shelter from cold winds

• Against a warm wall is ideal (retains heat overnight)

The more sun it gets, the better it will cope with Scottish conditions.

🪴 2. Grow in Pots (Highly Recommended)

In Scotland, olives do best in containers.

• Easier to control drainage

• You can move them in winter

• Prevents roots sitting in cold, wet soil

Use a large terracotta pot with plenty of drainage holes.

Olea europaea — The Olive Tree

£69.99

Buy Now

🌱 3. Use Free-Draining Compost

Olives hate wet roots more than cold weather.

Use a mix of:

• Multi-purpose compost

• Horticultural grit or sand (30–40%)

This mimics the dry, rocky soil they naturally grow in.

Growmoor Professional Compost 70L

£9.99

Buy Now

RHS Grit Sand

£4.99

Buy Now

💧 4. Don’t Overwater

This is the most common mistake.

• Water deeply, then let the compost dry out

• In winter, water very sparingly

• Never let the pot sit in water

Olive trees prefer being slightly dry rather than too wet.

❄️ 5. Winter Protection Is Essential

While mature olives can tolerate light frost, Scottish winters are often too wet and cold.

From late autumn:

• Move pots into a greenhouse, porch, or sheltered spot

• Wrap the pot with fleece or bubble wrap

• Raise pots off the ground with feet

Cold and wet is what causes damage.

Plant Warming Fleece Cover

£5.99

Buy Now

✂️ 6. Prune in Late Spring

Prune lightly in May or June to:

• Maintain shape

• Improve airflow

• Remove dead or crossing branches

Olives respond well to gentle shaping.

🌿 7. Feed During the Growing Season

From April to August:

• Use a balanced liquid feed every 2–3 weeks

• Alternatively, use a slow-release fertiliser in spring

This keeps foliage silvery, healthy, and lush.

🍃 8. Expect Leaves to Drop (It’s Normal!)

Olives regularly shed older leaves, especially after winter. Don’t panic — this is natural as new growth appears.

🐛 9. Watch for Pests Indoors

If overwintering inside, check for:

• Scale insects

• Spider mites

Good airflow helps prevent problems.

🌿10. Will It Produce Olives in Scotland?

It’s possible, but not guaranteed.

You may see small olives in a hot, sunny summer, but most people grow olives here for their beautiful structure and evergreen foliage rather than fruit.

🌿 Final Thought

Olive trees are tougher than they look. With sun, sharp drainage, and winter protection, they can be a long-lived, eye-catching feature in Scottish gardens.

Treat them a little mean, keep them dry, and they’ll reward you with that timeless Mediterranean charm — even on a grey Scottish day ☁️✨