About this product

Olea europaea – Cloud Pruned Olive (Pompon)

Olea europaea

Approx. 150–200 cm tall

Plant Highlights: Distinctive cloud-pruned (Niwaki) form • Evergreen silver-grey foliage • Architectural Mediterranean character • Ideal for feature pots and formal gardens • Year-round structure

Overview

Olea europaea, commonly known as the Olive Tree, is an elegant evergreen specimen prized for its beautiful silver-grey foliage and characterful bark. This expertly cloud-pruned (Niwaki) form features a series of rounded pompon-shaped heads, each approximately 20 cm in diameter, creating a sculptural focal point that brings Mediterranean style and Japanese-inspired garden design together.

Supplied at approximately 150–200 cm tall, this architectural specimen is ideal for framing entrances, patios and terraces or providing year-round structure within formal and contemporary planting schemes. As the tree matures, its smooth grey bark gradually develops the beautifully gnarled character for which olive trees are renowned.

Why We Love It

• Expert cloud pruning creates a striking architectural silhouette.
• Evergreen silver-grey foliage provides year-round interest.
• Perfect as a statement specimen in large containers or garden borders.
• Characterful bark becomes increasingly attractive with age.
• Brings a distinctive Mediterranean atmosphere to gardens and outdoor living spaces.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Plant in a warm, sheltered position in full sun. A south- or west-facing location encourages healthy growth and maintains the best foliage colour. Ideal for sheltered patios, courtyards and coastal gardens.

Watering

Water regularly during the first growing season while the tree establishes. Container-grown specimens require more frequent watering during warm weather. Once established in the ground, olive trees are drought tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods.

Soil

Grow in fertile, sharply well-drained soil. When planting in containers, use a free-draining compost and ensure excess water can drain away freely. Avoid prolonged winter wet around the roots.

Hardiness and Winter Care

This olive tree is hardy in many sheltered Irish gardens but benefits from protection during prolonged severe frost. Container-grown specimens are more vulnerable and should be moved to a sheltered position or protected with horticultural fleece during exceptionally cold weather. Good drainage is essential throughout winter.

Routine Care

Maintain the distinctive cloud-pruned (Niwaki) shape by clipping new growth once or twice each year, typically in late spring and again in late summer if required. Remove any shoots growing from the trunk or below the shaped heads to preserve the clean architectural outline.

Perfect For

• Statement entrance planting
• Large patio containers
• Mediterranean-style gardens
• Contemporary landscapes
• Formal gardens
• Architectural feature planting

Good to Know

Cloud-pruned (Niwaki) olives require regular maintenance pruning to preserve their distinctive pompon shape. Without annual trimming, the tree will naturally produce vigorous new growth and gradually lose its sculptural form. Flowering may occur in late spring to early summer, but fruit production in Ireland depends on favourable growing conditions and is not guaranteed.

Product Information

• Supplied approximately 150–200 cm tall
• Expertly cloud-pruned (Niwaki) specimen
• Evergreen architectural olive tree
• Pompon heads approximately 20 cm in diameter
• Suitable for large containers and garden planting
• Best grown in full sun in sharply well-drained soil