Olive Trees

Yes, mature olive trees cope well with typical UK winters, especially in milder parts of the country. They may need protection during longer spells of freezing conditions, snow or temperatures below –5C. Wrapping the pot or trunk in horticultural fleece and keeping the roots dry should help avoid cold damage.

Water little and often in summer, allowing some drying between waterings, as olives dislike sitting in wet compost. Feed monthly in spring and summer using a balanced or olive-specific fertiliser to support steady growth. Reduce watering in winter when the tree is less active.

Olive trees will fruit in the UK, but yields are small and dependent on warm summers. To produce fruits, olive plants needs full sun, good drainage and a sheltered position. A cold winter followed by a hot summer also helps trigger flowering and fruit set.

Olives like sharply drained soil, and a bright, sun-soaked position, ideally south- or west-facing. In the ground, they like light or sandy soil best, with added grit to give better drainage. In pots, they need an open, free-draining mix such as loam-based compost with extra horticultural grit.

Move pots to a sheltered, south-facing spot, saving them out of cold winds and persistent rain. Wrap containers with bubble wrap or horticultural fleece, as roots are more sensitive to frost that foliage. Water very sparingly, as cold and wet roots increase winter damage.

Hardy varieties such as Olea europaea ‘Arbequina’, ‘Picual’ and ‘Hojiblanca’ will cope best with UK conditions and are reliable choices for containers or borders. These cultivars tolerate lower temperatures and unstable summers, and are also among the most likely to fruit in warm years.

Established olive trees need only light annual pruning in late spring to maintain shape and remove any dead wood. Water moderately during dry spells and feed during the growing season for healthier growth. Beyond that, they are low-maintenance and resilient.