Why choose olive trees for your garden?
The olive tree (Olea europaea) is the quintessential Mediterranean tree. Its unmistakable silhouette, extraordinary longevity and resistance to dry climates make it one of the most valued species in gardening and professional landscaping.
In Mediflora, we have been growing and selecting olive trees at our nursery in Elche for over 30 years. We work with landscape architects, construction companies, local councils and private individuals looking for high-quality trees for all kinds of projects, from private gardens to public works and urban planning.
Olive trees provide an aesthetic value that is hard to match: their twisted trunks tell stories spanning decades or even centuries, their evergreen silver-green leaves offer shade all year round, and their maintenance is considerably low compared to other ornamental species.
Types of olive trees for gardens: which is the most suitable?
Not all olive trees are the same. Depending on the available space, the visual effect you are looking for and your budget, you can choose from several categories. In our olive tree catalogue You’ll find all the available options, but here we explain the main differences.
Centenary and millenary olive trees
The monumental olive trees y millenary olive trees are unique pieces that serve as the centrepiece of any garden or public space. Their thick, time-sculpted trunks make them true natural works of art.
These specimens are ideal for projects where an immediate visual impact is sought. A well-placed centennial olive tree completely transforms the perception of a space, adding character, history and a focal point that needs no accompaniment.
At Mediflora, we also offer double and triple trunk centenary olive trees, perfect for creating fuller, more dramatic looks.
Bonsai-style olive trees
The centenary olive trees in the bonsai style combine the age of the trunk with a more compact and manageable form. They are an excellent option for medium-sized gardens, large terraces or spaces where a sculptural element is needed without taking up too much room.
Decorative-trunk olive trees
If you are looking for an olive tree with a particularly twisted trunk or unusual shapes, the decorative trunk olive trees are the best choice. Each specimen is unique and selected for the distinctiveness of its form.
Plateau olive trees (shaped canopy)
Plateau olive trees have their canopy pruned into a flat or plateau shape, giving them a highly elegant and architectural appearance. We offer three sizes: small olive trees for smaller gardens, medium plateau olive trees as the main feature, and olive plateau specimens for projects requiring an imposing stature.
We also offer the olive plateau shrub, with a more natural and less geometric form, ideal for rustic-style gardens.
Potted or ball-shaped olive trees
The ball-shaped or potted olive trees are the most versatile option. Their compact size allows them to be placed on terraces, patios, entrances or as row plantings along paths. They are easy to transport and install, and their maintenance is minimal.
How to plant an olive tree correctly
Proper planting determines the long-term success of an olive tree. These are the key steps:
- Sunny location: the olive tree needs a minimum of 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Avoid shaded or excessively damp areas.
- Well-drained soil: the olive tree tolerates poor and stony soils, but cannot withstand waterlogging. If your soil is clayey, improve drainage with gravel and sand.
- Planting hole: dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and to the same depth. Do not bury the trunk deeper than it was originally.
- Establishment watering: water generously after planting and maintain regular watering during the first year. Afterwards, the olive tree will need hardly any supplementary water.
- Ideal time: the best time to plant olive trees is between autumn and early spring, when the plant is dormant.
Basic olive tree care in the garden
One of the great advantages of the olive tree as an ornamental tree is its low maintenance:
- Watering: once established (from the second year onwards), the mature olive tree needs very little watering. In Mediterranean climates such as that of Elche, it can survive on rainfall alone.
- Pruning: annual formative and maintenance pruning is sufficient. The best time is in late winter, before the spring growth flush.
- Fertilising: an organic feed in spring improves the tree's vitality, although it is not essential in fertile soils.
- Pests: leaf spot and scale insects are the most common problems, but they rarely cause serious damage in well-maintained specimens.
Olive trees for professional landscaping projects
Olive trees are a key feature in professional landscaping projects. Their versatility means they can be used as solitary specimens, in rows, in groups or combined with other Mediterranean species such as palms (see our A guide to palm trees for Mediterranean gardens), cacti and succulent plants o small-sized plants.
At Mediflora we work directly with landscaping and construction professionals, offering specialised logistics for the transport of large trees to anywhere in Europe. If you are planning a project and need high-quality olive trees, contact our team to receive personalised advice.
If you are interested in creating a low water consumption garden, we also recommend our guide on drought-resistant Mediterranean plants.
Frequently asked questions about choosing olive trees for the garden
What is the best variety of olive tree for the garden?
For ornamental use, the most demanded varieties are Arbequina (compact crown), Hojiblanca (elegant bearing) and the centenary specimens of native varieties with twisted trunks. If you are looking for olive production, Picual, Cornicabra or Manzanilla are more profitable but with less spectacular shapes.
How long does an olive tree live?
Olive trees are extraordinarily long-lived trees. Under the right conditions they can live for more than 1,000 years. In Spain there are documented thousand-year-old olive trees that continue to produce olives. A well cared for olive tree is literally a legacy for several generations.
How much does an ornamental olive tree cost?
The price varies according to size and shape. A young nursery olive tree can cost from 50-150 euros, while a medium-sized specimen (trunk circumference 20-40 cm) ranges from 300 to 1,000 euros. Centenary and millenary olive trees, with unique sculptural trunks, can exceed 5,000-10,000 euros.
Can a centennial olive tree be transplanted?
Yes, olive trees tolerate transplanting very well, even centenary and millenary specimens. The operation requires specialized machinery and experienced professionals. At Mediflora we transplant large olive trees with a success rate of over 95%, thanks to root ball preparation techniques and post-transplant follow-up.
How far should I plant an olive tree from the house?
For an ornamental olive tree, 4-5 meters from the facade is sufficient. Olive tree roots are deep and non-aggressive, so they do not usually cause damage to foundations or pipes. If you plant a row of olive trees, leave 5-6 meters between specimens so that the canopies do not compete.