Long-lived evergreen tree of Mediterranean origin. Tolerates drought and poor soil.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 8–11 | −12.2 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H3 | −5 °C to 1 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 8–9 | −7 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 4–7 | 0 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
About Olive
The olive is among the longest-lived cultivated trees, with specimens in the Mediterranean credibly estimated at many centuries old, and it regenerates readily from the base even after severe damage. Fresh olives straight from the tree are inedibly bitter because of a compound called oleuropein, which is why every olive that reaches a table has been cured in brine, salt, lye or water. The tree needs a genuine winter chill to flower well, so it fruits poorly in climates that are warm year-round, and it tolerates drought and poor soil far better than it tolerates waterlogging.
Growing notes
- Needs long warm summers to fruit reliably
- Sensitive to prolonged cold below −10 °C
Categories
Related plants
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