European Olive Tree

*Ships 1-3 Days

Size
$218.00

$1500+, SAVEMORE20 for 20% off
$3000+, SAVEMORE30 for 30% off
$7000+, Contact our sales team

For questions on bulk order discounts
Please contact us at sales@simplytrees.com

 

The European Olive Tree ‘Arbosana’ is a compact, evergreen tree known for its flavorful, high-quality olives used in premium olive oil production. Its silvery-green leaves and gnarled trunk make it a beautiful ornamental tree for landscapes and containers.

  • Botanical name: Olea europaea ‘Arbosana’
  • Evergreen
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT: Prefers full sun

WATER: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Approximately every 1-2 weeks. Watering frequency may vary based on climate and season

IDEAL CLIMATE: Hardy in USDA Zones 8-11; thrives in warm, sunny Mediterranean-like climates with well-draining soil. For zones 4-7, you can pot the tree and bring inside during winter.

Note: The European Olive Tree requires well-draining soil and can tolerate drought once established. It may need protection in colder climates.

*We cannot guarantee the European Olive Tree you receive will already be bearing fruit. This depends on the season and the overall growth pattern.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

European Olive Tree, scientifically known as Olea europaea ‘Arbosana’, is a versatile and ornamental tree renowned for its compact size and lush, silver-green foliage. Ideal for Mediterranean-inspired gardens or container planting, it offers an elegant touch and the potential for olive production. This hardy tree thrives with minimal care, providing beauty and function to any outdoor space.==

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Slow to moderate growth rate. Mature height: 10-15 feet; Mature width: 8-10 feet.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when the tree is dormant. The European Olive Tree requires full sun to thrive. Ensure it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Pruning:
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain a compact shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Regular pruning helps encourage healthy growth and enhances the tree’s appearance.

Fertilization:
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to support healthy growth. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to overgrowth and reduced fruit quality.

Winter Protection:
In colder climates, protect the tree with mulch around the base to insulate the roots. Consider using frost cloths during extreme cold spells to shield the foliage.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Plant the European Olive Tree in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Position the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and apply mulch to retain moisture.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 8-11

The European Olive Tree flourishes in USDA Zones 8 through 11, making it ideal for warmer climates with mild winters. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. This tree is well-suited to Mediterranean climates and urban environments, adding a touch of elegance and practicality to your landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Arbosana European Olive Tree typically grows to a height of 12-15 feet with a spread of about 8-10 feet. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for smaller spaces, container planting, or as part of a home orchard. This variety’s smaller stature compared to other olive trees also makes it easier to manage and harvest.

The European Olive Tree, including the Arbosana variety, has a slow to moderate growth rate. Under optimal conditions, it typically grows about 12-24 inches per year. Factors such as sunlight, soil quality, watering, and climate can influence its growth speed. While it may take several years to reach its mature height of 12-15 feet, this slower growth rate is beneficial for container planting and for maintaining a manageable size in smaller landscapes.

Best Planting Location:

Sunlight: Plant the Arbosana Olive Tree in a location that receives full sun, ideally with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Olive trees thrive in bright, sunny conditions.

Soil: Choose well-drained soil, such as sandy or loamy soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH. Avoid areas with heavy, waterlogged soil, as olive trees do not tolerate standing water.

Space: Ensure there is enough room for the tree to spread. Arbosana trees are compact but still need about 12-15 feet of space between trees or structures.

Climate: The best climates for Arbosana Olive Trees are warm, Mediterranean-like regions. They thrive in USDA zones 8-10 but can tolerate temperatures down to 15°F (-9°C) for short periods.

Wind Protection: Plant the tree in a location that offers some protection from strong winds, as high winds can stress the tree and reduce fruit yield.

If you live in a cooler climate, consider planting the tree in a container so it can be moved indoors during the winter months.

Yes, the European Olive Tree, including the Arbosana variety, can be grown indoors, but it requires specific conditions to thrive:

Sunlight: Place the tree in a bright spot with plenty of natural light. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing window is ideal. If natural light is insufficient, consider using a grow light to supplement.

Temperature: Olive trees prefer warm temperatures and should be kept in a room with temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid placing the tree near cold drafts or heating vents.

Watering: Water the tree when the top inch of soil is dry, ensuring it doesn’t sit in water. Indoor environments can lead to overwatering if drainage isn’t adequate, so use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the pot has drainage holes.

Humidity: Olive trees prefer low to moderate humidity. Avoid placing them in overly humid areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens.

Fertilizing: Feed the indoor olive tree with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for olive trees in early spring and once again in late summer.

While olive trees can be grown indoors, they are best suited for outdoor environments. However, they can thrive indoors temporarily, especially in colder climates where they need winter protection. Just make sure they receive enough light and care.

Yes, the European Olive Tree, including the Arbosana variety, can be successfully grown in a pot. In fact, container planting is a great option, especially in colder climates where the tree can be moved indoors during the winter.

Pot Size: Use a large pot, at least 18-24 inches in diameter, with good drainage holes to accommodate the tree’s root system as it grows.

Soil: Fill the pot with well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil and sand or perlite, to prevent waterlogging.

Watering: Potted olive trees need consistent watering, but be sure to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.

Sunlight: Place the pot in a location that receives full sun, with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Fertilizing: Feed the potted tree with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer specifically designed for olive trees in early spring and again in late summer.

Potted olive trees may require repotting every 2-3 years as they grow, ensuring they continue to thrive.

Yes, the European Olive Tree, including the Arbosana variety, is self-pollinating. This means it does not require another olive tree to produce fruit. However, cross-pollination with another olive variety can increase fruit yield and improve the overall quality of the olives. If space allows, planting a second olive tree nearby can result in a more abundant harvest.

Care Tips for European Olive Tree (Arbosana):

Sunlight:
Plant the tree in full sun, where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Olive trees thrive in bright, warm locations.

Soil:
Use well-drained soil, preferably sandy or loamy with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain moisture, as this can lead to root rot.

Watering:
Water the tree deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause root issues, while underwatering can stress the tree. Reduce watering in the winter months.

Fertilizing:
Feed the tree in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer specifically designed for olive trees. Repeat feeding in late summer if needed to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.

Pruning:
Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree. Light pruning helps improve airflow and sunlight penetration, promoting better fruit yield.

Cold Protection:
Arbosana olive trees can tolerate temperatures down to 15°F (-9°C), but for colder regions, protect the tree during frosts with coverings or by moving container-grown trees indoors.

Pest and Disease Management:
Monitor for common pests like scale insects or olive fruit flies, and treat with organic or chemical solutions if necessary. Keep the tree healthy by avoiding overwatering, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Harvesting:
Expect fruit production 2-4 years after planting. Harvest the olives in late fall, from October to December, when they reach the desired ripeness.

The European Olive Tree, including the Arbosana variety, typically begins to bear fruit 2-4 years after planting, depending on growing conditions. It produces fruit in the late fall, with the harvest season usually occurring from October to December. For optimal fruit production, ensure the tree receives full sunlight, proper watering, and well-drained soil. Warmer climates may see fruit ripening slightly earlier, while cooler climates might experience a later harvest.

European Olive Trees, including Arbosana, can tolerate cold temperatures down to about 15°F (-9°C) for short periods. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below this can damage the tree, especially younger or more vulnerable trees. While mature trees are more cold-hardy, they should still be protected from frost and freezing temperatures, especially in regions prone to harsh winters. In colder climates, it’s best to plant Arbosana olive trees in containers so they can be moved indoors or protected during extreme cold.

Size:
Arbequina olive trees are generally larger, growing up to 15-20 feet tall, while Arbosana (European) olive trees are more compact, usually reaching about 12-15 feet at maturity. This makes Arbosana a better choice for smaller spaces or container growing.

Fruit Yield:
Arbequina produces slightly larger olives with a higher yield per tree, making it popular for home growers and large-scale olive oil production. Arbosana, though smaller in size, produces a high volume of fruit that is also excellent for olive oil production, known for its robust flavor.

Oil Flavor:
Arbequina olives produce a mild, buttery oil with a fruity flavor, while Arbosana olives yield oil that is more robust, with a peppery finish. Arbosana is often used in blends due to its more intense flavor profile.

Harvest Time:
Both varieties have similar harvest times, but Arbosana tends to ripen a bit later than Arbequina. This can make a difference for growers looking to stagger their harvests.

Growth Habit:
Arbequina has a more spreading, bushy growth habit, while Arbosana is more upright and compact. This difference in growth style can impact their use in landscaping and orchard design.

Both varieties are known for their high-quality olive oil and are popular choices for growers, but the choice between them often comes down to space considerations, desired oil flavor, and overall tree size.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 30-day guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms and conditions. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 30-day guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

Sustainable shipping, quality care

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.