Olive tree

Olea europea

• Position: full sun
• Soil: deep, fertile, sharply drained soil (or loam-based potting compost for container-grown specimens)
• Rate of growth: slow-growing
• Flowering period: June to August
• Hardiness: frost hardy (needs winter protection in cold areas)

  
  As our climate gets milder, the popularity of olive trees continues to grow. The pointed, grey-green, leathery leaves are retained all year. In hot summers, the tiny, fragrant, creamy-white flowers are followed by edible, green fruits. As it matures the tree takes on a distinctive, gnarled shape, which makes it an excellent focal point for a sunny, sheltered wall and in frost-prone areas is best grown in a large container under glass.
  

• Garden care: To protect against wind damage stake using a low angled stake, driven into the ground on the windward side at a 45° angle. Water regularly during dry periods, keeping the planting area weed-free. Apply a top-dressing of a nitrogen-rich general purpose fertiliser twice or three times each year during the growing season.