How truly hardy are olive trees?

Dobbin26 · May 2023

As with many gardeners, I've lost quite a few plants over the winter due to the wet then dry and then frosts. I would really like an olive tree, nothing grand but looking at some in the garden centres, they are still a considered purchase. I'm in Central Scotland not far from Stirling and just wondered how truly hardy are they ? Should I plant in a pot and try and move it into the greenhouse over the worst of the winter? Problem is there's so many other plants in there at this time and then there's all the seed trays come February and March. Or do I need to protect with fleece or sacking?

tui34 · May 2023

Olive trees are Mediterranean - they like hot dry summers and dry cold winters. They are hardy survivors. They have silver sided leaves to protect themselves.

From what I have seen on various Olive Tree threads on this site, the trees grown in the UK look like shaggy raggy specimens that don't like rainy foggy weather.

It's an investment - even here in France, they are expensive and take a long time to mature.

Busy-Lizzie · May 2023

I don't think I'd risk it in Scotland. Maybe @Fairygirl would know.

I gave one to my daughter about 12 years ago. It's in a very big pot on the south of her house, but she lives near Poitiers, France. It has been down to -7C but when it rains it's a lot warmer than that. It's wet and cold that's the killer.

It will be very heavy to move in and out of the green house every year.

floralies · May 2023

I have one planted in the garden, south, southwest France, it's been there about fifteen years in a fairly sheltered spot and free draining soil. It leans to one side as a nearby neglected shrub rose nearly overtook it!

Fairygirl · May 2023

They'd need to be undercover where you are @Dobbin26 - so a container you can bring inside.
They certainly can't survive here - wet cold is the real killer as @Busy-Lizzie says, but Stirling, even if you were in the town itself, would still be too cold and wet over winter.

Balgay.Hill · May 2023

I planted a £1.99 Lidl olive tree here in Dundee around 10 years ago. It was only a 6" twig, and is now a 3' shrub. I get small olives most years.
It is in a fairly sheltered area against a west facing wall.
It is at the top of a slope in very well draining soil and rubble.

Fairygirl · May 2023

Fair enough @Balgay.Hill - it's much drier on your side than over here.
It would certainly need help though, and your wall and sheltered site will be doing that, so perhaps the OP can do similar

Balgay.Hill · May 2023

@Fairygirl
It was a spur of the moment purchase, and a couple of quid was worth a gamble. I certainly wouldn't have spent decent money on one.
The guttering and wall stops most of the overhead rain, so the poor soil is never really wet.

Dobbin26 · May 2023

Thanks everyone. All comments duly noted. Still need to give this some thought. Our local Morrisons had a few different sizes last year which were much cheaper ththe garden centres so I'll maybe have another look this year. Just seems so much of a waste if it won't over winter. Maybe we'll get a Mediterranean winter this year

Dobbin26 · May 2023

So I've taken the plunge. I've purchased an Olive tree after a couple of visits to local Morrisons stores last weekend. First store and closest the plants looked very dry and wilting so didn’t bother. Visited another store and found nice healthy specimen. It cost me £25 and I know I'm taking a gamble but to turn my Scottish garden into the Mediterranean

I think it's worth it. I also purchased a lemon, orange and fig tree from Lidl's so I'm looking to be self sufficient this year in fruit juice and snacks 😋......if only all my dreams would come true.

Busy-Lizzie · May 2023

Good luck with the olive. You realise that lemon and orange trees are more tender than olives? They will have to go indoors for the winter.

How truly hardy are olive trees?

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