Sad Olive Tree - any tips?

Peter.ling · July 2023

Our olive tree

The tree is positioned in a sunny and bright (but not too hot) front yard, in the pot it was purchased in. Having shed a few leaves a year ago (presumably due to a change in climate from the garden centre to our house) but has been living quite happily since then - healthy-looking green leaves, with recent flowering.

Is this anything to be worried about, or perhaps a sign of underwatering (we've been watering infrequently) in the recent hot weather? Or, perhaps due to needing re-potting? We also didn't prune this season. (we watered this afternoon, hence the wet soil).

Any ideas or suggestions would be gratefully received to revive our poor olive tree back to good health.

Thanks!
Peter

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Pete.8 · July 2023

It's in desperate need of a larger pot which is why it's poorly.
I'd get rid of the bamboo pole too.
It needs a free-draining compost something like - 60% John Innes 2 or 3 - 20% compost or rotted manure and about 20% horticultural grit.
If that outer pot has draining holes that would do for the time being.
Raise the pot off the ground a little with pot feet or bits of wood etc to ensure good drainage - especially over winter

Ps a drench with seaweed extract once a month during spring and summer will help hugely

bédé · July 2023

Looks fine. The leaves last 1 year, but fall off any time. In the Mediterraneum they are usually shed in summer heat.

Have you seen the tiny pots those rescued stumps that cost £000s use? Yours is massive in comparison.

Top tip: Take off any dead leaves and clean up those on the soil surface. Make it look loved.

Sad Olive Tree - any tips?

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