SHOPPERS are rushing to get their hands on a faux olive tree from Lidl.
The budget retailer is offering affordable ways to bring a touch of the Med into your home.
The Livarno Home Artificial Olive Tree is selling for £20 at Lidl[/caption]
The Livarno Home Artificial Olive Tree is currently available for £19.99 online and £19.06 in Lidl stores.
Lidl claims the small tree is a “detailed replica with natural colours”.
It stands 118cm tall and comes in a pot with an 18cm diameter.
Meanwhile, Ikea is selling a 149cm artificial potted olive tree for just £25.
“This artificial plant is made of plastic, of which at least 50% comes from recycled materials,” the Swedish retailer claims.
On the pricier end is Dunelm’s version, costing £100.
Dunelm’s artificial olive tree stands at 140cm tall – thanks in part to an added 15cm from its oven basket-style plant pot.
For those after a statement piece, Costco is offering a 6.5ft faux olive tree in a French-style crock planter for £150.
The product description reads: “This exceptionally realistic Olive tree will thrive perfectly anywhere, every season.”
Lidl’s Artificial potted plant, in/outdoor Olive tree costs £25[/caption]
Dunelm’s Artificial Olive Tree in Woven Basket Plant Pot is priced at £100[/caption]
But if you’d prefer the real thing, you can always plant an olive tree.
Though native to the Mediterranean, olive trees can thrive in the UK – as long as they’re given sufficient care.
Sunlight and shelter
- Olive trees do best in a sunny, sheltered location.
- They can tolerate intense sunlight and drought.
- But they typically struggle in extreme cold and high winds.
Watering
- Water potted olive trees regularly from mid-March to late October.
- Water your tree until water comes out of the bottom of the pot.
- In hot, dry weather, you may need to add more water.
- Reduce watering for younger trees, and stop watering established trees in the winter.
Drainage
- Ensure your tree has adequate drainage.
Pruning
- Prune the tree back each year to encourage good leaf growth.
Winter care
- Wrap your tree over winter to keep the harsh wind out.
- Give your tree extra protection if cold snaps are forecast.
Fruiting
- Olive trees need at least three months a year of cold weather to flower and fruit.
- Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, along with a fluctuation in night and daytime temperatures initiate the fruiting process.
Lidl is a German discount retailer[/caption]
