Olea europaea 'Sativa' (F)
An evergreen tree with a rugged fissured bark in old specimens and a much-branched habit. 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. Green olives are produced in summer in warm areas, turning black in autumn when ripe.
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 | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream | Grey Silver Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | Black | ||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in any well-drained soil, in full sun.
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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.