About
Olea europaea, the common olive, is a slow-growing, long-lived, evergreen tree to 9 m or more with a rugged, much-branched crown and narrowly oval, silvery-green leaves. Very small, white, fragrant flowers are produced in axillary racemes in summer. Cultivated for millennia for its edible fruits and oil � an ornamental and useful tree for a sunny, frost-free garden.
About the genus
Olea, the olives, are evergreen trees and shrubs with simple, opposite, leathery leaves and small, white flowers in axillary panicles, followed by edible drupes (olives). Grown in sunny, frost-free gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees, Fruit Edible
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Sub-tropical
Native toMediterranean
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, fertile, sharply-drained soil in full sun. Under glass, grow in peat-free John Innes No 3 with added sharp sand, in full light. See olive cultivation
PruningPruning group 1. Under glass prune to restrict size in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed in spring at a temperature of 13-15°C (55-59°F). Can also be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceScale insect may be a problem
Disease resistanceHigh Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely). May be susceptible to Olive scab