Olea europaea – Olive Tree

Olea europaea

Supplied in a 9 Litre Pot

Plant Highlights: Evergreen silver-green foliage • Classic Mediterranean character • Attractive specimen for pots and borders • Well suited to sunny, sheltered positions • Drought tolerant once established in the ground

Overview

Olea europaea, the Olive Tree, is an elegant evergreen shrub or small tree that brings timeless Mediterranean character to gardens, patios and terraces. Its slender branches carry narrow, silver-green leaves that provide year-round structure and contrast beautifully with ornamental grasses, lavender and other sun-loving plants. Small creamy-white flowers may appear from late spring into early summer, with olives developing only when growing conditions are warm enough.

Supplied in a 9 litre pot, this olive tree makes an impressive focal point for a sunny patio or courtyard and can also be planted in a well-drained border in a sheltered location. Its naturally slow-growing habit makes it easy to maintain as a compact specimen in containers, while plants grown in the ground can gradually develop into handsome, long-lived feature trees.

Why We Love It

• Elegant evergreen foliage provides year-round interest.
• Creates an authentic Mediterranean feel in Irish gardens and outdoor living spaces.
• Equally suited to decorative containers or well-drained borders.
• Naturally slow-growing and easy to maintain with only light pruning.
• Develops into a striking architectural feature with age.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Plant in a warm, sunny, sheltered position where the tree receives as much direct sunlight as possible.

Watering

Water regularly while the tree is becoming established. Once established in the ground, it is relatively drought tolerant, although prolonged dry spells may require additional watering. Container-grown olive trees dry out more quickly and should be checked regularly during warm weather.

Soil

Grow in fertile, free-draining soil. Olive trees dislike prolonged winter waterlogging. For containers, use a loam-based compost suitable for Mediterranean plants and ensure the pot has excellent drainage.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Well suited to many Irish gardens when grown in a sheltered position. Protect younger plants and container-grown specimens during periods of severe frost, and avoid cold, exposed sites where winter winds and waterlogged soil may cause damage.

Routine Care

Feed with a balanced fertiliser during spring and summer to encourage healthy growth. Minimal pruning is required; remove dead, damaged or crossing branches in late spring or early summer to maintain an open, balanced framework.

Perfect For

• Sunny patios and terraces.
• Mediterranean-style planting schemes.
• Sheltered courtyards.
• Decorative containers.
• Feature planting in well-drained borders.

Good to Know

The 9 litre pot refers to the container size at the time of sale, not the mature size of the plant. Olive trees are slow growing and can live for many decades. Fruiting outdoors in Ireland is possible during favourable warm summers but should not be expected every year.

Product Information

• Supplied in a 9 litre pot.
• Evergreen shrub or small tree.
• Attractive silver-green evergreen foliage.
• Suitable for containers or planting in sheltered garden locations.
• Best grown in full sun with excellent drainage.