About
An evergreen tree with a rugged fissured bark in old specimens and a much-branched habit. Green olives are produced in summer in warm areas, turning black in autumn when ripe. The growth may eventually reach 9m (30ft) high and 4,5m (15ft) across. It bears narrowly oval-shaped grey-green leaves to 7.5cm (3in) long Very small, fluffy cream flowers are borne in racemes to 5cm (2in) long, from the leaf axils on the ends of the previous year's growth.
About the genus
Olea are small or medium sized evergreen trees with simple, opposite leathery leaves. Flowers are in terminal or axillary panicles, and are small, whitish and followed by an ovoid, oblong or globose drupe (fruit).
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrows in any well-drained soil, in full sun.
PruningPruning group 1
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 resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and Olive scab