The Bushy Olive Tree (Olea europaea) is one of the most iconic and rewarding evergreen trees you can grow in the UK. With its distinctive silvery-green foliage, gnarled character, and effortlessly elegant presence, this Mediterranean classic brings timeless style to patios, terraces, balconies, and garden borders alike. Supplied in a 3 litre nursery pot, this bushy, well-branched specimen is ready to settle into its new home and begin establishing from the moment it arrives.
Exceptionally versatile and low maintenance, the olive tree suits a wide range of outdoor settings — from a bold container planting on a sunny patio to a striking focal point in a Mediterranean-inspired garden scheme. Its natural drought tolerance and love of full sun make it one of the most forgiving trees for busy gardeners, while its year-round evergreen foliage ensures it earns its place in the garden through every season.
Key Features:
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- Supplied as a bushy, well-shaped specimen in a 3 litre nursery pot \n
- True evergreen — retains its attractive silvery-green foliage all year round \n
- Highly drought tolerant once established — ideal for sunny, sheltered spots \n
- Suitable for containers, patio planting, terraces, balconies, and open garden beds \n
- Can be lightly pruned to maintain shape and control height \n
- Hardy and frost tolerant — some winter protection advised in prolonged freezes or exposed northern regions \n
- A statement landscaping tree that works beautifully as a standalone feature or within a planted scheme \n
Cultural Information:
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Botanical Name: Olea europaea
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Common Names: Olive Tree, Common Olive
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Classification: Evergreen Tree
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Fully Grown Height & Spread: 2–3m × 1.5–2.5m (container grown; variety and pruning dependent)
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Growth Habit: Bushy, Multi-Stemmed Evergreen Tree
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Perfect for: Patios, Terraces, Balconies, Mediterranean Gardens, Containers, Borders, Screening
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Flowering Time: Early Summer (small, delicate creamy-white flowers)
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Fruiting Season: Autumn (olives may appear on mature, established trees in suitable conditions)
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Planting Position: Full Sun — sheltered from cold, drying winds
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Soil: Free-draining soil or quality compost; avoid waterlogged conditions
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Attracts: Bees and Pollinating Insects
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Type: Hardy Evergreen Tree (frost tolerant; shelter advised in prolonged cold spells)
\n - Foliage: Narrow, Lance-Shaped Leaves with a Silvery-Green Upper Surface and Pale Underside \n
Care Tips:
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- Plant in a free-draining compost or well-drained garden soil in a warm, sunny position \n
- Water regularly during the first growing season to aid establishment; reduce watering once established \n
- Apply a balanced fertiliser during spring and summer to support healthy growth \n
- Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape and encourage bushy, dense growth \n
- In colder regions or during prolonged frosts, move container-grown specimens indoors or to a sheltered position \n
Note: This olive tree is supplied in its nursery pot, ready for potting on into a decorative container or planting directly into a prepared garden bed. The bushy form makes it an excellent choice for those seeking immediate visual impact.