The ‘Little Ollie’ dwarf olive (Olea europaea ‘Montra’) is a popular, practical, and appealing landscaping solution. Its manageable size, ease of care, and adaptability provide a Mediterranean aesthetic without extensive upkeep. This robust plant offers year-round visual interest.
Key Characteristics of Little Ollie Dwarf Olive
The ‘Little Ollie’ cultivar stands out from traditional olive trees. This dwarf variety typically matures to 2 to 6 feet tall and wide, though it can reach up to 12 feet if unpruned and well-irrigated. Its naturally mounding, rounded growth habit contributes to its compact form.
A key advantage of ‘Little Ollie’ is its non-fruiting nature, eliminating the mess of fallen olives and producing minimal pollen. Its evergreen foliage features long, narrow, fine-textured silver-green leaves. This plant tolerates heat, drought, and salt, thriving in full sun.
Planting and Site Selection
Selecting the appropriate location is fundamental for ‘Little Ollie’ establishment. This plant requires full sun, ideally receiving at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. While it tolerates some partial shade, it performs best in brighter conditions.
Well-draining soil is a primary requirement, though ‘Little Ollie’ adapts to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay. It thrives even in nutritionally poor soil and is not particularly sensitive to pH, preferring neutral to slightly alkaline. It is suitable for both in-ground and container cultivation, though container plants need more diligent moisture monitoring due to faster drying soil.
Essential Care Practices
Watering
Consistent watering is essential for ‘Little Ollie’, especially during establishment. Newly planted individuals require frequent, deep watering (e.g., every other day for the first week, then twice a week for several subsequent weeks) to encourage an extensive root system. When transplanting, ensure deep and regular watering during the initial growing season for robust root development.
Once established, ‘Little Ollie’ becomes drought-tolerant, and watering frequency can be significantly reduced. Water when the top 1/4 to 2 inches of soil feels dry, as both overwatering and under watering can lead to leaf drop. Container plants need more frequent watering than those in the ground due to faster drying soil.
Fertilizing and Mulching
Apply a general-purpose fertilizer annually in spring before new growth emerges. Mulching around the base is beneficial; a 4 to 8-inch layer of organic mulch, applied in late spring or winter, helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Pull mulch back a few inches from the main stem to prevent moisture issues.
Pruning and Shaping Techniques
Pruning ‘Little Ollie’ maintains its size, encourages a dense, bushy habit, and removes undesirable growth. The best time for pruning is late spring or early summer, after frost risk has passed and leaves have fully developed. Avoid pruning in late winter or early spring, as it can cause sap to ‘bleed’.
When pruning, remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and plant health. For shaping, reduce new growth by half to two-thirds, stimulating more shoots for a fuller appearance. ‘Little Ollie’ responds well to shearing, making it suitable for formal hedges, topiaries, or training into a small patio tree. Use sharp, clean tools for precise cuts above a bud, promoting healthy regrowth.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While generally robust, ‘Little Ollie’ can encounter a few common issues. Pests like scale insects and aphids may appear, manifesting as sticky residue or black sooty mold. For minor infestations, manual removal or insecticidal soap can manage these pests.
Pests and Diseases
Root rot results primarily from overwatering or inadequate soil drainage. Prevent this by ensuring well-draining soil and allowing the topsoil to dry between waterings.
Another concern, particularly in regions like Southern California, is the bacterial disease Xylella fastidiosa, spread by the glassy-winged sharpshooter. This disease can be fatal to olives, making new plantings unrecommended in affected areas.
Cold Tolerance
‘Little Ollie’ tolerates cold temperatures down to 20-30°F, but prolonged exposure to colder conditions can cause stress. Mulching helps regulate soil temperature and offers some protection during cold snaps.