The ‘Little Ollie Dwarf Olive’ (Olea europaea ‘Montra’) is a popular choice for gardeners seeking the Mediterranean aesthetic without the scale of a traditional olive tree. This evergreen shrub is prized for its compact size, typically reaching a mature height and width of six to eight feet. A major appeal is its mostly non-fruiting nature, which eliminates the messy clean-up associated with standard olive varieties. Once established, its tolerance for heat and drought makes it a low-maintenance option. The dense, silvery-green foliage lends itself well to formal shaping, making it ideal for use in containers, as a specimen shrub, or as a tight hedge.
Site Selection and Planting Preparation
Successfully establishing a ‘Little Ollie’ begins with choosing a location that provides ample sunlight, mirroring its native Mediterranean environment. The plant requires full, direct sun for at least six to eight hours each day for optimal growth. While it adapts to various soil conditions, excellent drainage is required, as the roots are sensitive to standing water. The ideal soil is well-draining, average to lean, and can even be rocky, but water must not naturally collect there.
When planting in the ground, ensure the hole is twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, setting the top of the root ball level with the surrounding grade. For container planting, selecting the correct pot is important, as the tree’s size will be partially constrained by the container. The pot must have substantial drainage holes. A quality potting mix designed for cacti or citrus, which provides superior aeration and drainage, is recommended. Container cultivation requires a slightly richer soil blend than in-ground planting, but porosity remains the focus to prevent root rot.
Routine Maintenance: Watering and Feeding
Establishing a strong root system requires consistent watering during the first year after planting. Newly installed ‘Little Ollie’ trees should be watered deeply and regularly, ensuring the entire root ball remains moist; this may mean watering every two to three days in hot weather. After the initial establishment period (typically one to two growing seasons), the plant’s watering needs drop significantly, and it becomes highly drought-tolerant. For established plants, allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings, reducing frequency in cooler months.
Container-grown specimens require more frequent watering than those in the ground because the limited soil volume dries out faster. Check the moisture level frequently, watering until the excess runs freely from the drainage holes to ensure the roots are fully saturated. The ‘Little Ollie’ benefits from a light feeding in early spring, just as new growth begins, using a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Avoid heavy applications or fertilizing after mid-summer, as late-season feeding can promote soft growth susceptible to cold damage.
Seasonal Pruning and Pest Prevention
Pruning the ‘Little Ollie’ is primarily a maintenance activity focused on shaping the shrub and encouraging dense growth. The best time for significant structural pruning is during late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Regular, light shearing can be performed throughout the growing season to maintain a formal hedge or topiary shape, which increases canopy density. The removal of dead, damaged, or crossing branches is a year-round task that maintains health and promotes good air circulation.
Proper air movement is an effective preventative measure against common pests like scale insects and spider mites, which thrive in dense, humid conditions. If a scale infestation is detected (appearing as small, waxy bumps on stems and leaves), a targeted treatment is required. Horticultural oil, applied during the plant’s dormant season, works by smothering overwintering pests and their eggs. For active infestations, a solution of insecticidal soap can be applied to the affected areas, often requiring multiple applications to eliminate the problem.