50% OFF! Hot items selling fast—Grab them before they're gone!
Unconditional Satisfaction GuaranteeNo Shipping Fees Above 302 Months to Decide. Returns Simplified.Olea europaea, commonly known as the olive tree, is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region, admired for its elegant silvery foliage, gnarled characterful trunks, and traditional association with sun-soaked landscapes. Long-lived and remarkably resilient, olive trees bring a timeless Mediterranean feel to UK gardens.
Foliage: Narrow, leathery, grey-green leaves with silvery undersides create a shimmering effect in sunlight. The evergreen canopy provides year-round interest.
Form: Slow-growing, developing into a bushy shrub or small tree with a rounded crown. Over time, trunks become twisted and beautifully gnarled, adding age-old charm.
Flowers & Fruit: Tiny, creamy-white flowers appear in early summer, followed by small green fruits that ripen to black olives. However, fruiting in the UK is inconsistent due to cooler summers and lack of intense heat.
Overall character: Exudes classic Mediterranean style, perfect for patio pots, courtyards, sunny borders, or as a feature in gravel gardens.
Requires full sun at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south or west-facing spot is ideal.
Position near a wall or sheltered area that radiates heat to mimic Mediterranean conditions.
Needs protection from cold, drying winds.
Hardy down to around -7C, but young plants benefit from fleece wraps or sheltered positions during harsh winter frosts.
Moderately drought-tolerant once established, but water regularly during prolonged dry spells, especially in pots.
Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid constantly wet soil.
Thrives in poor, well-draining soil sandy or stony is ideal.
Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas. If necessary, improve drainage with grit.
In containers, use a John Innes No.3 compost mixed with horticultural grit.
Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser or a slow-release Mediterranean plant feed to encourage healthy foliage.
Avoid overfeeding, especially with high nitrogen fertilisers which can promote leafy growth at the expense of flower buds.
Prune lightly in late spring to maintain shape and encourage airflow through the canopy.
Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches.
Can be clipped more formally or left to develop a natural, informal shape.
In UK conditions, flowers often appear, but fruiting is less reliable and usually minimal. Trees benefit from hot, dry summers to properly set and ripen olives.
Generally trouble-free. Occasionally scale insects or sooty mould may appear on older plants treat with horticultural soap if needed.
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage.
Perfect for large terracotta or wooden pots on patios.
Use free-draining compost, water well but allow to dry slightly between watering.
In winter, move pots to a sheltered spot or wrap containers to protect roots from freezing.
