PAIR of Premium Quality Standard OLIVE Trees – Olea europea
Olive trees – Learn, buy and grow
The humble Mediterranean olive tree seems to have become a staple tree in even the most traditional British garden at the moment. Personally I think that olive trees make a great addition to any exotic garden, whether or not they fruit makes no difference, I think they look great and only improve with age. The Olive tree Olea europaea is hardy down to -10C (14F) for short periods as long as it’s in a sheltered position, and make sure it is in very well drained soil. Have a look here for more information on the olive tree we would recommend you to buy. Click here to see our choice for a great olive tree
Olea europaea ‘olive trees’ are native to the Mediterranean region and tend to be associated with exotic holidays rather than a garden tree here in the UK. This is partly because they are heath-loving plants so may not survive in the cold weather conditions of the UK. These flower-producing and fruit-producing trees are evergreen trees and tend to be slow-growing.
Olive tree flowers bloom tiny white or cream flowers in loose clusters in the late spring but can be easily affected by insufficient water, pest infestation and extreme weather conditions. Luckily, apart from the standard olive tree, there are now several other cultivars that are capable of surviving in colder regions with the right amount of care and attention. Olive trees have leathery pale green leaves with a silver underside.
Types Of Olive Trees
Olea europaea ‘Arbequina’: A small olive tree that is frost-hardy and has a good tolerance for soils with poor conditions. It is the Spanish variety of Catalonia.
Olea europaea ‘Cipressino’: Also a small olive tree, considered an Italian variety of Puglia. It grows upright and compact.
Olea europaea ‘Frantoio’: A common source of olive oil, a classic Tuscan olive tree is one of the easiest species to grow in the UK. Additionally, it is a self-fertile tree that has a good fruiting habit.
Growing and Caring For An Olive Tree
Olive trees are propagated from stem cuttings in summer or winter. You can opt for the stem cuttings in summer or hardwood stem cuttings in winter. Olive tree care in the UK is relatively easy, especially in warm weather conditions.
Soil: Olive trees need soil rich in nutrients and well-draining soil so as not to retain water.
Water: Although they are drought-tolerant plants, they still require adequate watering to avoid hurting the roots from dry spells.
Light: Olive trees thrive in full sun exposure to partial shade.
Fertiliser: Feeding your olive tree regularly ensures it stays healthy and supports fruit production. Choose a fertiliser that is rich in nitrogen, magnesium, and phosphate.
Pruning: Olive trees do not require pruning but can be pruned to maintain the desired shape.
Winter care for olive trees
Although olive trees are extremely hardy, they do not tolerate weather conditions as low as -14 degrees Celsius for short periods and need protection in the winter. To protect your olive tree from frost, wrap it from the top to the stem with horticultural fleece from December to February or longer if the cold persists and cover the base of the tree heavily with mulch.
Where to buy Olive Trees
Longevity: Olive trees are indestructible and can leave for thousands of years. They have a root system that cannot be destroyed, even when the top tree is damaged by frost or fires, a new stem begins to emerge from the roots.
Prolific: Olive trees begin producing fruits between the ages of 3 and 5 years and continue to bear fruits throughout their lifetimes. Many trees in the Mediterranean region date back up to 2000 years and still actively produce fruits.
FAQ
Do olive trees lose their leaves?
No, olive trees are evergreen hardy plants so they do not lose their leaves even in winter. However, all trees renew their leaves which means that they drop off all their leaves gradually and grow new ones. This cycle occurs every 6-14 months.
Can olive trees grow in the UK?
Olive trees can grow quite easily in the UK, although it might be difficult to get them to produce fruits. Olive trees can survive in cold weather conditions as low as 7 degrees celsius but should not be cultivated for commercial purposes in such regions as the weather makes it more difficult to bear fruit.
What is the best fertiliser for olive trees?
Olive trees need fertilisers to produce fruits annually and the best fertiliser for olive trees should have a balanced 16:16:16: ratio of phosphorous, potassium, and nitrogen. Alternatively, you can find something similar.
Is tomorite good for olive trees?
Yes, tomorite feed is good for olive trees because it contains nutrients like magnesium and phosphorous that help strengthen the tree all year round.
Do olive trees grow in the UK?
The short answer is yes. Olive trees grow in the UK with just the right amount of care and attention, you can even get your olive tree to bear fruit.
When do you wrap an olive tree for winter?
To protect your olive tree from the winter and frost damage, wrap it in horticultural fleece throughout the winter, usually from December to February but you can keep it wrapped even longer if the cold persists.
What is the best way to wrap an olive tree for winter?
Place a horticultural fleece with a size that matches your olive tree at the top of the tree and begin pulling down until it covers the stem almost completely. Secure with a string so that it remains covered through the period.
Why is my olive tree losing leaves?
Seasonally, an olive tree will lose its leaves and grow new ones but a common reason for olive trees losing their leaves results from a problem with the roots. Either it is getting overwatered or it is getting insufficient water.
How much is an olive tree?
A mature olive tree for sale can cost as low as £20 or as much as £700 depending on the size and species. There are ancient ones sometimes for a lot more than that!
Why is my olive tree not fruiting?
Olive trees usually require some amount of cold weather to produce fruit but once the weather is too cold or stays cold for an extended period, it is likely to hurt the production pattern of the olive tree. To maintain good production of fruits avoid overwatering of your tree and ensure your soil is well-draining.
Can olive trees survive in Scotland?
An exotic future awaits Scotland’s landscape as tropical trees and temperate trees like olive trees, banana trees, and traditionally temperate trees can now be cultivated in the coldest regions of Scotland.
How quickly does an olive tree grow in the UK?
Growing healthy olive trees in the UK can be a challenging task because olive trees require a lot of sun exposure to thrive. However, as long as your olive tree is well-watered, and planted in rich well-draining soil, it should take about 3-5 years for your olive tree to start producing fruits.