Species Profile
Olive Tree
Scientific Name
Olea europaea
Olea europaea
Native Region
Mediterranean Basin
Mediterranean Basin
Climate Suitability
Mediterranean · Evergreen · Fruit Bearing · Drought-Tolerant
Mediterranean · Evergreen · Fruit Bearing · Drought-Tolerant
Growth Rate
Slow
Slow
Mature Height
8–15m (older specimens can exceed this)
8–15m (older specimens can exceed this)
Typical Lifespan
500+ years (some over 1,000)
500+ years (some over 1,000)
Root System
Shallow, wide-spreading, highly drought-resistant
Shallow, wide-spreading, highly drought-resistant
Canopy Spread
6–10m, dense rounded crown
6–10m, dense rounded crown
Water Needs
Low once established; highly drought-tolerant
Low once established; highly drought-tolerant
Soil Preference
Well-drained, even poor or rocky soils; dislikes waterlogging
Well-drained, even poor or rocky soils; dislikes waterlogging
Sunlight Needs
Full sun
Full sun
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Planting Guide
Growing The Olive Tree
Needs excellent drainage and as much sun as possible -- waterlogged roots are the most common cause of failure. Water regularly for the first two summers, then irrigation can be reduced to occasional deep watering.
Do
- Plant in full sun with sharp drainage
- Water deeply but infrequently once established
- Prune lightly each year to maintain an open crown
Don't
- Don't let roots sit in waterlogged soil
- Don't over-fertilise -- olives thrive in lean soil
Why It Matters
Benefits Of The Olive Tree
- Fruit and oil have been a Mediterranean dietary staple for millennia
- Extremely drought- and heat-resilient once established
- Long-lived, multi-generational shade and amenity tree
- Supports pollinators during its spring flowering