Olive Tree Olea europaea

Olive Tree Olea europaea

Olea europaea is an evergreen tree grown for its distinctive character and neat, grey‑green foliage. In Ireland it does best in a very warm, sheltered position with full sun and sharply drained soil. This is a slow-growing tree that can be pruned to maintain shape or managed in containers; in mild gardens it may reach about 8m tall and wide over many years. Small, creamy-white flowers open in early summer; in warm summers fruits may follow, though reliable ripening outdoors in Ireland is uncommon, so olives are chiefly grown here for their ornamental appeal. Plant in well-drained, moderately fertile soil (light or chalky is ideal) and avoid waterlogging; once established, olive trees are notably tolerant of dry conditions.

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Full sun; very warm, sheltered site

Rate of Growth: Slow

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile; light or chalky; avoid waterlogging

Hardiness: RHS H3 – hardy in mild areas; protect from severe frost

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Plant at a Glance