Olive trees (Olea europaea) are a beautiful and versatile plant that can be grown in the UK. They are known for their silvery-grey foliage and the delicious fruit they produce. Here’s some information on the best position for olive trees, when to plant them, their flowering time, height and width, and when to feed them.

Best position: Olive trees prefer a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. They are tolerant of most soil types, but do best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils. They can also be grown in containers, which makes them ideal for patios or small gardens.

When to plant: Olive trees can be planted at any time of year, but the best time to plant is in autumn or spring when the soil is not too wet or too dry. It’s important to make sure the root ball is thoroughly watered before planting and to keep the soil moist for the first few weeks after planting.

Flowering time: Olive trees bloom in late spring or early summer with small, white flowers. The flowers are not very showy, but they are followed by the delicious fruit that olive trees are known for.

Height and width: Olive trees can grow up to 10 meters tall in their native Mediterranean habitat, but in the UK they usually reach a height of 2-4 meters if left unpruned. They have a rounded, bushy habit and can be pruned to maintain their shape.

When to feed: Olive trees benefit from an application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring, just before the new growth appears. It’s important not to over-fertilize olive trees, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.

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