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olive tree varieties nz

Discover the world of olive tree varieties NZ gardeners love. Olive trees are a rewarding choice for New Zealand gardens, offering striking evergreen foliage, graceful forms, and the possibility of homegrown olives. Whether you’re seeking an abundant harvest for eating or pressing, or you’re drawn to their Mediterranean charm, choosing the right olive tree variety is key to your success. New Zealand’s temperate climate is well-suited to many olive cultivars, from classic favourites to resilient modern selections.

olive-j5-

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 taste or they can be eaten fresh. They are dark purple-black when mature in autumn and originate from white-cream flowers in summer. The foliage comprises grey-green leaves as it grows to 3 m tall and the same wide. This is one of the more popular olive tree varieties and is often grown for fruit production. Olea J5 also makes for an impressive specimen tree and is useful for screening, hedging, and topiary.

From $205.02

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Fruit Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 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-verdale-

Olive Verdale

Olea Verdale 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 is held on rigid branches as it grows to 3 m tall and the same wide. Olea Verdale is one of the more popular varieties and is often grown for fruit production. This olive 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.

From $33.68

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Fruit Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 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-koroneiki-

Olive Koroneiki

Olea Koroneiki is a variety of Olive tree grown for its high yields of small fruit. The fruit are often squeezed to produce an oil with a distinct...

From$33.68
olive-frantoio-3

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-j2-

Olive J2

Olea J2 is a variety of Olive tree that produces fruit that can be squeezed to produce an oil which has a distinct, fruity flavour or they can be...

From$477.11
olive-barnea-1

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-manzanillo-6

Olive Manzanillo

Olea Manzanillo 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...

From$33.68
olive-el-greco-

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
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$299.92
olive-rakino-2

Olive Rakino

Olea Rakino is a variety of Olive tree grown for its high-quality fruit. The medium-sized, dark purple-black fruit have a distinct taste and can be...

From$33.68
An Acacia melanoxylon specimen tree.

Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood Wattle)

Acacia melanoxylon, commonly known as the Acacia Blackwood Wattle or Australian Blackwood, is an evergreen tree that grows rapidly to 30 m tall and...

From$277.74
olive-leccino-2

Olive Leccino

Olea Leccino is a variety of Olive tree grown for its high-quality fruit. The medium-sized, dark purple-black fruit have a distinct, sweet taste and...

From$299.92
olive-ascolano-

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
crassula-ovata-

Crassula ovata (Money Tree)

Crassula ovata is a versatile plant ideal for New Zealand gardens, offering unique features and easy care.

From$28.28
lagunaria-patersonia-3

Lagunaria patersonia

Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as the Primrose Tree, is an attractive, evergreen tree featuring lovely flowers. The showy, single flowers are...

From$343.89
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1

Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$432.79
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
magnolia-margaret-helen-

Magnolia Margaret Helen (Magnolia Tree Margaret Helen)

Magnolia Margaret Helen is a deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, rose-pink flowers through late winter and early spring. These are...

From$343.89
ulmus-lobel-

Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$343.89
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
magnolia-jc-williams-3

Magnolia JC Williams (Magnolia Tree JC Williams)

Magnolia JC Williams bears masses of large and showy, rose-purple flowers through late winter and early spring. These are borne on the naked stems...

From$343.89
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.

Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$26.93
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$432.79
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$97.13
cassia-corymbosa-john-ball-1

Cassia John Ball (Buttercup Tree)

Cassia John Ball, commonly known as the Buttercup Tree or Cassia Plant, is a large and colourful, deciduous shrub. It becomes enshrined by masses of...

From$24.23
magnolia-liliiflora-nigra-1

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra (Magnolia Tree Nigra)

Magnolia liliiflora Nigra, commonly known as Black Lily, is a stunning tree that bears masses of large and showy, purple flowers from late winter...

From$299.92
schefflera-arboricola-

Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree)

The Schefflera arboricola plant, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant. The foliage is mid...

From$26.93
Phyllocladus trichomanoides lush green foliage.

Phyllocladus trichomanoides (Celery Pine)

Phyllocladus trichomanoides, commonly called Celery Pine, is a striking New Zealand native tree valued for its unique, celery like foliage and tall...

From$457.29
chiranthodendron-pentadactylon-2

Chiranthodendron pentadactylon (Monkeys Hand Tree)

Commonly known as the Monkeys Hand Tree, this is an evergreen tree grown for its flowers and stature. Amidst the lush, green foliage are borne showy...

From$146.79
Olive J5

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Beilschmiedia, Cassia, Cedrela, Chiranthodendron, Crassula, Dacrydium, Lagunaria, Liriodendron, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Olive, Phyllocladus, Schefflera, Sequoiadendron Sorbus and Ulmus, or related Categories - Olive Trees, Indoor Plants, Deciduous Shrubs, Succulents, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search olive tree varieties nz

Popular Olive Tree Varieties in New Zealand

New Zealand olive growers have a range of olive tree varieties to consider for gardens, orchards, and landscaping. Some excel in oil production, while others are best for table olives or multi-purpose use. Here’s a look at some proven options:

Olive Kalamata

One of the best-known olive tree varieties in NZ is the Olive Kalamata. Prized for their large, almond-shaped, dark purple fruit, Kalamata olives are synonymous with Mediterranean cuisine. This variety does best in sheltered, sunny sites and is a favourite for both table fruit and sumptuous homemade tapenade.

Olive Mission

The Olive Mission is renowned for its reliable cropping and versatility. Originally from California, this cultivar is well-adapted to different NZ regions and produces small to medium-sized fruit suitable for both oil and table use. Mission trees are self-fertile but benefit from cross-pollination for higher yields.

Olive J5

For gardeners seeking commercial-grade oil production, the Olive J5 stands out. This modern variety is valued for its high disease resistance, consistent yields, and excellent oil quality. The compact, vigorous growth habit also suits home gardens where space is a consideration.

Olive Verdale

The French Olive Verdale is well-loved for its adaptability and resilience. Its fruit has a fine flavour, suitable for pressing or table use, and ripens early in the season. Verdale trees are ideal for NZ’s variable weather, making them a reliable choice in cooler or coastal gardens.

Olive Pendolino

Perfect as a pollinator, the Olive Pendolino is a vigorous and productive Italian variety. While prized for its oil, it is most often planted to assist with cross-pollination of other olive tree varieties in NZ. The Pendolino’s delicate, weeping form also makes it an attractive feature tree.

Growing Olive Trees in NZ

Olive tree varieties in NZ generally thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. They are surprisingly hardy, withstanding coastal breezes and dry conditions. Most olive trees benefit from cross-pollination, so planting more than one variety can increase yields and fruit quality. Pruning in late winter or early spring promotes healthy growth and makes harvesting easier. Regular watering during dry spells and feeding in spring will keep your trees vigorous and productive.

Choosing the Best Variety for Your Garden

When deciding which olive tree varieties NZ gardeners should plant, consider your local climate, space available, and intended use for the fruit. Whether you favour delicious Kalamata table olives, a reliable Mission harvest, or the oil-rich J5, there’s an olive to suit every taste and site. For more details on individual varieties, see our range including Olive Kalamata, Olive Mission, Olive J5, Olive Verdale, and Olive Pendolino.

With the right variety and a little care, your olive grove—large or small—can flourish in New Zealand’s unique conditions.

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.

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