Olea europaea stem

Olea europaea is the classic olive tree, an evergreen with narrow, grey-green foliage that brings a distinctive Mediterranean character to Irish gardens. Best in full sun and very free-draining soil, it appreciates a warm, sheltered spot such as a south- or west-facing position. Small, creamy-white flowers may appear in early summer and, in long warm summers, these can be followed by olives. Grow in the ground where conditions are mild and drainage is excellent, or in a large container that can be moved or given protection in severe cold. Prune lightly to maintain shape after the risk of frost has passed, and avoid waterlogged soils.

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; warm, sheltered site

Rate of Growth: Slow

Soil: Well-drained; light or chalky soils; avoid waterlogged conditions

Hardiness: Hardy in mild, sheltered gardens; protect from severe frost (RHS H3)

Plant at a Glance