Olea europaea (F)
common olive
Has a rugged, much-branched habit and slow growth, eventually 4.5-9m. Leaves are narrowly obovate or oval, to 7.5cm long, leathery, silvery beneath. Very small white flowers are borne in axillary racemes to 5cm long. Many cultivated varieties have been developed from this species, some of which may fruit in UK under favourable conditions.
Other common names
cultivated oliveedible olive
see moreEuropean olive
lady's oil
olive oil plant
sweet oil plant
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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).
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in deep, fertile, sharply-drained soil in full sun. Under glass, grow in John Innes No 3 with added sharp sand, in full light. See olive cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed in spring at a temperature of 13-15°C (55-59°F). Can also be propagated by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Sub-tropical
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pruning group 1. Under glass prune to restrict size in spring
Pests
scale insect may be a problem
Diseases
High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa. May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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