Add a Mediterranean Touch

Add a Mediterranean Touch Bring a taste of the sun-drenched Mediterranean to your garden with Olea europaea — the timeless olive tree.

Celebrated for its graceful, gnarled trunk and shimmering silvery-green foliage, this evergreen beauty evokes the charm of southern Europe in any setting.

Perfect for patios, courtyards, or borders, the olive tree adds year-round structure and texture, thriving in containers or planted directly in well-drained soil.

Hardy and easy to care for, it’s ideal for UK gardens seeking a warm, rustic elegance — a living symbol of peace and longevity that instantly transforms your outdoor space into a Mediterranean retreat.

Why Choose an Olive Tree?

• Evergreen Foliage: Enjoy lush grey-green leaves through every season.
• Fragrant Flowers & Edible Fruit: Small white blooms appear in summer, developing into smooth green olives in warm conditions.
• Compact Growth: Reaches up to 150cm (59") tall and spreads to around 50cm (20"), making it perfect for patios and smaller spaces.
• Mediterranean Style: Adds structure and sophistication to contemporary or traditional gardens alike.

Planting & Growing Guide

• Location: Plant in full sun in a sheltered spot—ideal for south- or west-facing patios, terraces, or conservatories.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Use a loam-based compost if growing in containers.
• Watering: Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first growing season. Allow compost to dry slightly between waterings.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring and again mid-summer to encourage healthy growth and fruiting.
• Pruning: Lightly prune after the last frost to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing branches.
• Hardiness: Hardy down to -7°C once established; protect young plants from severe frost with fleece or by moving containers indoors over winter.

Clever Design Tips & Companion Plants

• Create a Mediterranean-themed container display with lavender, rosemary, and thyme planted nearby.
• Add height and structure to mixed borders or use as a striking focal point on patios and balconies.

FAQs

• When is the best time to plant my olive tree? The best time is spring or early autumn when the soil is warm but not waterlogged. Container-grown trees can be planted at any time except during freezing weather.
• How fast does an olive tree grow? This variety is slow-growing, typically adding around 10-15cm per year under ideal conditions.
• What care does my olive tree need in winter? Mature trees tolerate light frost but young plants benefit from fleece protection or being moved indoors if grown in pots during harsh cold spells.