Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Back, middle

Soil

Well Drained / Light / Sandy

The olive tree, Olea europaea, is an attractive, slow-growing evergreen of Mediterranean origin. It forms a rounded head of small, silver-grey leaves and is tolerant of hot, dry conditions. Tiny creamy-white flowers appear in summer, followed by small, round green olives that ripen to black.

In the Mediterranean olive trees are cultivated widely for their fruits. In the UK they're not fully hardy and require a warm, sheltered spot to thrive. Alternatively grow olive trees in large pots and move them into the shelter of a cool greenhouse over the winter months.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Fruitsyesyesyes

Olea and wildlife

Olea has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Olea poisonous?

Olea has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Olea europaea
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