Olive tree varieties by size and fruiting

Olive tree varieties by size and fruiting

1. 01

   Plant names and labels

   Olea europaea is the accepted species name. The cultivars compared here are horticultural selections within that species, not separate species.

   The useful horticultural groups are smaller or mostly fruitless ornamentals, larger fruitless trees, and fruiting or oil cultivars. These groups describe fruiting, size, and use rather than formal botanical ranks.

2. 02

   How the varieties differ

   Little Ollie is a smaller, mostly fruitless shrub suited to hedges or patio containers, while Swan Hill and Wilson or Wilsonii are fruitless but can become much taller. Named fruiting or oil choices include Arbequina, Mission, Manzanillo, Sevillano, and Frantoio. Cultivar changes fruit size, oil, flavor, and pollinizer needs.

3. 03

   Care differences

   Cultivar choice changes the practical decision about patio space, pruning or training, fruit and cleanup, and whether a second pollinizer may be needed. All of them want full sun and well-drained soil outdoors.