Olea europaea
Olive
Also known as Olea
- Height × spread
- 10m × 10m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Generally available in Spring & Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is the olive of history. Left to its own devices it makes a round headed tree. The leaves are lance shaped, coloured an unsurprising olive-green and silvery on their underside. There are small panicles of fragrant white flowers in summer and these are followed by olives, green at first and ripening to black. The trunk becomes hoary and tortured to a picturesque extent. This can reach 10m (33ft) height with equivalent spread.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, fragrant
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 10m
- Spread
- 10m
- Height in 10 years
- 2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Architectural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Outdoors
Olive tree feed
For trees in pots or garden borders. Apply product around the base of the tree regularly during the active growing season. Follow the manufacturer's guidance for application rates.
Applies to olive trees
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.