Olea europaea 'Kalamata'
Kalamata Olive Tree
The Olea europaea 'Kalamata', commonly known as the Kalamata Olive Tree, is a hardy evergreen tree renowned for its silvery-green foliage and high-quality, dark, almond-shaped olives. A staple in Mediterranean cuisine, its fruit is prized for oil production or table use. Growing up to 6 to 8 metres tall and 4 to 6 metres wide, this slow-growing tree is ideal for orchards, edible gardens, or as a feature plant in larger landscapes.
Adaptable and drought-tolerant, the Kalamata Olive Tree thrives in warm climates and adds timeless beauty and utility to gardens.
Specifications
- Height6 to 8 metres
- Width4 to 6 metres
- Native toGreece
- FoliageSilvery-green, narrow leaves; evergreen
- Growth rateSlow
Conditions
- SoilPrefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils; tolerates poorer soils
- LightFull sun for optimal growth and fruiting
- WaterLow; highly drought-tolerant once established
- ClimateThrives in Mediterranean, subtropical, and warm temperate regions
Additional Features
- FlowersSmall, creamy-white blooms in spring
- FruitAlmond-shaped, dark olives ideal for oil or table use; harvest in late autumn
- FormGnarled trunk with a spreading canopy; ornamental and functional
- UsesIdeal for orchards, edible gardens, feature planting, or containers
- SpacingPlant 6 metres apart for orchard settings or 3 to 4 metres in smaller gardens
- Low MaintenanceRequires light pruning to shape and improve air circulation
- Pest ResistanceHardy; monitor for common olive pests like scale or fruit fly
- Drought ToleranceExcellent for water-wise gardens once established
- LongevityExtremely long-lived, providing value for generations
- Culinary ValueProduces olives famous for their rich flavour and oil quality
The Kalamata Olive Tree is a classic and functional choice for gardens, offering ornamental appeal, culinary benefits, and remarkable resilience in a variety of settings.