Olive trees not only represent tradition and longevity, they have also become one of the most elegant options for those looking to create a garden with a Mediterranean identity, while being resilient and low-maintenance. In this guide, you’ll discover how to integrate an olive tree into your garden with style, functionality, and beauty, regardless of the size of the space.
Why choose an olive tree for your Mediterranean garden?
The olive tree (Olea europaea) is much more than an ornamental tree. Here are some reasons to fall in love with it:
Iconic aesthetic: its twisted trunks, rough bark, and silvery leaves create a serene and timeless image.
Resistance: it withstands drought, needs little water and adapts well to poor soils.
Low maintenance: ideal for those who want a beautiful garden without investing a lot of time.
Useful and symbolic fruit: you can even harvest your own olives.
🌱 Ideal for Mediterranean climates like Mallorca.
How to design a garden with an olive tree (and make it look spectacular)
1. Choose the ideal location
Place your olive tree as the focal point of your garden. Some ideas:
- In the center of a white gravel roundabout.
- Flanking an entrance.
- As a companion to a living area.
Visual tip: Surround it with natural stones or a circle of wooden sleepers to give it prominence.
2. Soil or pot?
- In broad soils, plant directly for free growth.
For urban gardens or terraces, choose compact varieties such as Olea europaea ‘Little Ollie’ and plant it in a large, draining clay or cement pot.
Combine your olive tree with Mediterranean plants
Creating a harmonious garden with olive trees is easier if you use other species that share similar needs:
| Plant | Characteristics |
|---|---|
Lavender | Aroma, blue bloom, repels insects |
Rosemary | Edible, perennial and very resistant |
Santolina | Gray leaves, compact texture |
Agapantos | Exotic touch, blue/violet bloom |
Creeping thyme | Covers the ground, aromatic |
Lighting and decoration: the finishing touch
Make your olive tree look spectacular even at night:
- Illuminate it from the base with warm LED lights.
- Surround its base with white pebbles or volcanic gravel.
- Add a stone or wrought iron bench to turn it into a contemplation area.
- Use rustic elements such as jars, fountains or minimalist sculptures.
Basic care of olive trees in the garden
Although it is hardy, it needs some key care:
Watering: Infrequent, but deep. More so in the first year.
Pruning: every 1-2 years to maintain shape and health.
Soil: well drained, preferably with sandy or calcareous substrate.
Fertilizer: compost or organic humus in spring.
Protection: Check for mealybugs or olive flies.
✂️ Pruning should be done in late winter, before spring budding.
Real inspiration: Mediterranean garden with olive tree
Imagine this design:
- A century-old olive tree in the center on a white gravel island.
- Lavenders bordering the circular area.
- Solar lanterns embedded among the plants.
- Rustic aged wooden furniture next to the tree.
This type of design is ideal for estates, interior patios, or large terraces. If you’d like something similar, we at MedGardens can design your custom garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have an olive tree on a terrace or balcony?
Yes, if you use a large pot and get plenty of sunlight.
Which variety is best for small gardens?
‘Little Ollie’, ‘Arbequina’, or ‘Manzanilla’ are compact and ornamental.
Does it require a lot of maintenance?
Very little. It’s one of the most self-sufficient species.
Do you want a professionally designed olive garden?
At MedGardens, we design and maintain gardens with a Mediterranean essence, using sustainable, water-efficient species such as olive trees.