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Olive, Mission
Olive, European
Olea europaea 'Mission'
'Mission' Olive is a classic Mediterranean olive cultivar valued for both ornamental appeal and edible fruit. It features narrow gray-green foliage with silvery undersides and a naturally gnarled trunk over time, giving it a timeless Old World character. In Texas landscapes, it has been used as both a specimen tree and small orchard planting where conditions allow.
Mission Olive performs best in full sun and requires excellent drainage. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils and tolerates the limestone-based soils common in Central Texas, provided water does not stand around the roots. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and performs best with deep, infrequent watering. Overly wet soils or heavy irrigation significantly reduce vigor and increase cold susceptibility.
In the landscape, Olea europaea ‘Mission’ is typically used as a specimen tree, courtyard accent, or small orchard tree. Mature size generally reaches 20–30 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide, though it can be maintained smaller with pruning. Spacing trees 15–20 feet apart allows proper canopy development. Creamy white spring flowers are followed by green fruit that ripens to purple-black if pollination is successful. It is considered moderately deer resistant.
In Texas, olives have experienced a noticeable downturn in popularity due to repeated severe freeze events. While mature trees can tolerate brief cold into the upper teens, prolonged hard freezes—such as those experienced in recent years—have caused widespread dieback and loss. Several Texas olive orchards were significantly damaged or abandoned after consecutive freeze winters. In Central Texas, planting in protected microclimates and avoiding low-lying frost pockets is critical, but customers should understand there is measurable cold risk. Olive foliage and fruit are non-toxic, though fruit drop can create cleanup considerations.
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Edible fruit |
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Mediterranean look |
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Freeze sensative |
Flower Color:White
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Height:20-30 Feet
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Spread:15-20 Feet
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Spacing:15-20 ft
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USDA Hardiness Zone 8a
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| OLI-MIS-30 |
#030 OLIVE, MISSION (SHRUB) |
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| OLI-MIS-05 |
#005 OLIVE, MISSION (SHRUB) |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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