olea europaea mission

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

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'

Olive 'Mission' is a classic olive variety valued for its reliable cropping, attractive silver green foliage, and versatility for both table olives and oil production. This evergreen tree brings Mediterranean style and year round structure to home orchards, lifestyle blocks, and contemporary gardens throughout New Zealand. Olive 'Mission' is hardy, productive, and drought tolerant once established, making it a dependable choice for gardeners wanting both ornamental appeal and high quality olive production.

Olive 'Mission'

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

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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.