Olive - Olea europaea Verdale

Common Name:
Verdale Olive

Description:
Olea europaea ‘Verdale’ is a versatile and productive olive variety valued for both its oil quality and suitability for table use. This evergreen tree features attractive, narrow silvery-green foliage and develops a classic, slightly spreading Mediterranean form, adding structure and elegance to the landscape. In spring, it produces small, creamy-white flowers, followed by medium to large fruit that ripens from green to deep purple-black. ‘Verdale’ is particularly appreciated for its balanced flavour and reliable yields. Well suited to Melbourne conditions, it thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soils, particularly sandy or loamy types. Once established, it is drought tolerant and low maintenance, benefiting from occasional pruning to maintain shape and improve airflow for fruit production. Ideal for home orchards, feature planting, or large pots, it offers both ornamental value and a consistent harvest.

Form:

• Tree - Small

Mature Size:

• Height: 4–6 m
• Width: 3–5 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:

• Creamy white

Key Attributes:

• Edible Fruit
• Suitable for Pots
• Perennial
• Drought tolerant once established
• Low maintenance
• Suitable for Mediterranean gardens
• Attractive silvery foliage
• Long-lived tree
• Suitable for oil and table olives

Toxicity:

• Not toxic to humans or pets
• Raw fruit is very bitter and must be cured before consumption

Companion Plants:

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Santolina
• Westringia
• Lomandra
• Salvia
• Citrus