Specimen Trees – Growing an Olive Tree as a Specimen Tree

Olive trees from the Mediterranean have often seen gardeners neglect the use of the tree as a specimen plant. However, recent years have seen the olive tree become more popular: a series of mild winters and changes in fashion have brought a change in attitude.

How to Grow an Olive Tree

Growth Habit – The olive tree is an evergreen plant which grows extremely slowly. As such the plant has a variety of uses from that of a simple specimen tree or specimen plant, to use as a form of topiary. Whilst bay trees are often the subject of a pair of Versailles planters, the olive tree makes a welcome change in subject matter.

Site and Soil – The olive tree traditionally grows in the Mediterranean, in regions with quite a poor soil from a nutrient perspective. As such the gardener in planting an olive tree should choose a soil which is relatively free draining and nutrient poor. Avoid heavy clay soils at all costs. It is recommended that a protected location is chosen, ideally a site which will have full sun and be protected from cold winds.

Feeding and Watering – From this perspective the olive tree is a relatively low maintenance option for a specimen tree. Given the native conditions the tree is exposed to, watering and feeding should not be necessary.

Pruning – In general terms the olive tree will grow at a rate which is slow enough not to require pruning for many of the normal reasons. The exception is if the plant is being used as a topiary specimen. Here the plant’s fresh growth should be removed until the desired shape is achieved.

Issues with Olive Trees

Fruiting – If growing an olive tree in a temperate climate, such as the UK, then fruiting may be somewhat of a disappointment. The olive tree will usually flower in late summer and fruits will subsequently begin to form into the autumn. Olive fruits will however, usually not have time to ripen before the cold weather stops the process.

Over Wintering – Generally an olive tree will survive an average winter in the UK, without the need to bring the specimen indoors. The chances of survival can be increased by protecting the specimen with a horticultural fleece. In addition, buying a small specimen and growing it on will also increase the chances of survival in the long term.

Cost РThe cost of an olive tree varies greatly dependent upon the size and age of the specimen tree. Small potted olive trees are available for around £10; on the other hand a large specimen from a landscaper can cost several thousand pounds. Given slow growing rate of the olive tree, this leads to a disproportional rise in cost for an older specimen.

Read More Gardening:

• Cat Deterrents
• The Wollemi Pine
• Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner

Sources:

Petherick, T. 2007. Trees that shape the world. Quadrille.