Olive Olea

The olive needs little introduction, silver-grey foliage, a trunk that thickens and twists with age, and a constitution shaped by millennia of Mediterranean cultivation. These are advanced, heavy-trunked trees of Olea europaea with the gnarled character that only years in the ground can give.

In the landscape

The definitive courtyard and formal-garden tree, a single sculptural specimen in gravel or lawn, flanking an entry, or in generous planters where the silver canopy reads against rendered walls and stone. Suits Mediterranean, contemporary and coastal schemes alike, and clips well where a tighter head is wanted.

Growing notes

Evergreen and exceptionally hardy, tolerant of drought, wind, coastal exposure and frost once established. Demands full sun and free-draining soil, taking poor and alkaline ground in its stride; waterlogging is the one thing it will not accept. Suited to most of Queensland away from the wet tropics, and throughout New South Wales and Victoria. In the ground expect around 6–8 m tall by 4–6 m wide, easily held smaller, with edible fruit in season.

This tree

• Height: 4.0–4.5 m
• Canopy width: 2.5 m
• Caliper: 350–450 mm
• Currently standing: 10 trees

Field-grown ex-ground at Ravensbourne Farm, root-pruned and basket-lifted, delivered and craned Australia-wide; price on application through the Shortlist.