Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

olea europaea mission

Olea europaea Mission, commonly known as the Mission Olive, is a beloved variety in New Zealand gardens for both its attractive grey-green foliage and its prolific, flavoursome fruit. Originally brought to California by Spanish missionaries, this olive tree has earned its reputation as a reliable variety for home growers and small orchards. Growing up to 6 metres tall with an elegant, spreading canopy, the Mission Olive is perfect for those seeking a beautiful feature tree that doubles as a productive fruiter. Whether you’re interested in home pickling or producing your own golden olive oil, Olea europaea Mission is a versatile and rewarding choice for your edible landscape.

Olive Mission

Olea Mission is a variety of Olive tree grown for its high yields of medium sized fruit. They are dark purple-black when mature in autumn and originate from white-cream flowers in summer. The foliage comprises grey-green leaves which are held on rigid branches as it grows to 3 m tall and the same wide. Olea Mission is one of the more popular olive varieties and is often grown for fruit production. It also makes for an impressive specimen tree and is useful for screening, using as a windbreak, or being trimming either into a hedge or for topiary.

olive-mission--1
  • Suited to regions:
    Subtropical, Temperate
  • Plant type:
    Fruit Trees
  • Height:
    3.00 m
  • Spread:
    2.50 m
  • Flowering time:
    Summer
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Containers, Hedging, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen, Topiary
  • Garden styles:
    Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern
olive-ascolano-
Most Popular

Olive Ascolano

Olive Ascolano is grown for its high-quality fruit. The large, green fruit have a delicate, mild taste and can be squeezed to make a rich, tasty oil...

From$33.68
olive-barnea-1
Most Popular

Olive Barnea

Olive Barnea carries large fruit that can be squeezed to produce oil with a distinct, green, fruity aroma or eaten fresh. The fruit mature to a dark...

From$432.79
olive-el-greco-
Most Popular

Olive El Greco

Olive El Greco is grown for its high yields of quality fruit. It carries large fruit that are often squeezed to produce an oil with a distinct...

From$33.68
olive-frantoio-3
Most Popular

Olive Frantoio

Olive Frantoio carries large fruit that are often squeezed to produce an oil with a distinct, pungent, yet fruity taste or they can be eaten fresh...

From$299.92
olive-j5-
Most Popular

Olive J5

Olea J5 is a variety of Olive tree that produces high yields of large fruit. The fruit are often squeezed to produce an oil with a distinct, fruity...

From$205.02
Plum 'Greengage' fruit.
Most Popular

Plum 'Greengage'

The ‘Greengage’ plum tree is a heritage variety prized for its lovely, green-skinned fruit with golden flesh. Renowned for its rich, honeyed flavour...

From$295.19
apple-golden-delicious-
Most Popular

Apple Golden Delicious (Golden Delicious)

The Golden Delicious apple, also known as the Yellow Delicious apple, is a popular variety that bears good sized fruit in autumn. The fruit are...

From$416.05
nashi-pear-nijisseiki-
Most Popular

Nashi Nijisseiki

The Nashi Nijisseiki Pear tree typically reaches a height of 5–6 metres with a spread of 4–5 meters. It features a rounded canopy with glossy green...

From$299.92
'Hass' Avocado fruit.
Most Popular

Avocado 'Hass'

Avocado 'Hass' is the world’s most popular avocado variety, prized for its rich, creamy texture and excellent flavour. This evergreen fruit tree is...

From$391.14
cherry-compact-stella-
Most Popular

Cherry Compact Stella

'Compact Stella' is a popular cherry variety that produces good yields of large, dark red fruit in early summer. The flesh is light red, soft, and...

From$432.79
Olive Mission

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Olive or Olive Trees.

Search Olive Mission

Why Grow Olea Europaea Mission?

The Mission Olive stands out for its adaptability and resilience. It thrives in a range of New Zealand conditions, tolerating both coastal sites and light frosts, and generally resists common pests and diseases. Its fruit, harvested from late autumn into early winter, is prized for table olives as well as oil production. The Mission variety tends to have a rich, complex flavour, making it a popular option among kiwi gardeners and foodies alike.

In addition to its culinary value, Olea europaea Mission is a striking evergreen tree that provides year-round interest. With proper care, it becomes a sturdy and long-lived addition to gardens both large and small.

Best Growing Conditions for Mission Olive

Olea europaea Mission prefers a sunny spot with well-draining soil. While it copes well with dry conditions, newly planted trees benefit from regular watering during establishment. Once mature, they are drought-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance. Pruning is minimal—just remove any dead or crossing branches to maintain shape and airflow.

If you’re interested in growing a mixed orchard, consider pairing the Mission Olive with other top performers such as Olive Ascolano and Olive Barnea for varied harvests and cross-pollination potential. Mission Olives are partially self-fertile but will crop more heavily when planted near other varieties.

Using Mission Olives at Home

Freshly harvested Mission olives can be cured or pickled, making a delicious addition to antipasto platters or salads. If you prefer home-pressed oil, the Mission variety’s robust flavour profile is ideal for full-bodied extra virgin olive oil. These versatile trees also serve as attractive screens, informal hedges, or container specimens.

Add variety to your fruit garden with unique options like Olive El Greco, Olive Frantoio, or Olive J5, or branch out with something different, such as Fig 'Brown Turkey' for a taste of the Mediterranean.

Get Growing with Olea Europaea Mission

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or new to olives, Olea europaea Mission offers reliability, resilience, and rewarding harvests. Explore our range of olive trees and discover how this classic variety can transform your garden and your table with authentic, homegrown flavour.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews