Choosing the Best Olive Tree in a Container for Small Spaces

Updated onSep 24, 2025

Olive trees are known to bring along legendary history along with them since they have been around for so long in the Mediterranean region and North Africa. If you wish to add Italian/Tuscan style to your small garden space, adding Olive trees could be a great option. Whether you have a tiny balcony, patio, or deck, an Olive tree in a container can instantly enhance the whole vibe of the space. 

Moving forward, in this guide, we will explore some of the best olive trees that can be grown in a container, along with the ultimate growing conditions that you need to follow. 

Types of Olive Trees Suitable for Containers

When it comes to choosing the right olive tree for compact spaces, certain varieties are well-suited. Let us quickly explore some of them in the following section. 

ArbequinaKnown for its hardiness and adaptable nature, the Arbequina Olive tree is a low-maintenance genus ideal for small garden spaces. 
Olea Europaea WilsoniiThis is a fruitless olive tree that is widely popular due to its ornamental qualities. Majorly planted for landscape designs, this is an ideal tree for your backyard.
Dwarf Olive TreesPopular for its dense foliage and compact size, the dwarf olive trees are mainly used for privacy purposes. 

Due to the slow-growing nature and strong root structure, these compact trees are considered ideal for small garden spaces or patios. With these varieties, you can instantly add elegance to your front lawn or backyard without much effort. 

The Appeal of Fruitless Olive Trees

Fruitless olive trees offer the aesthetics similar to those of traditional olive trees, but without the mess that is usually created by falling trees. The fruits of these species generally stain the pavement, and if not cleaned up on time, it may attract pests while making the walk space slippery.

One can easily enjoy the lush greenery. The glossy silver-green foliage of the genus looks absolutely stunning, especially during the night, enhancing the vibe of the whole space. 

Additionally, the fruitless olive trees are typically drought-tolerant. Once established, they do not require frequent watering and much attention, making them a low-maintenance tree. 

Best Practices for Growing Olive Trees in Containers

Growing dwarf varieties of Olive trees in a container is a rewarding experience. Let us quickly explore the practices that you should keep in mind if you are planning to add these to your balcony garden. 

  • Be sure to select a pot with proper drainage holes. Consider adding tiny gravel at the bottom of the pot to improve the drainage.
  • Use a permeable potting mix with organic compost so that the plant can get the right nutrients to flourish. 
  • Although Olive trees are drought-tolerant, they need moderate watering during the initial growing years. 
  • Place the pot in an area where it can receive ample sunlight. During winter, try to place the pot in a conservatory or nursery as it cannot tolerate frost temperatures. 

By following the aforementioned practices, you can easily grow these compact olive trees in your backyard without much of a hassle. 

Creative Landscaping with Olive Trees

If you are living in areas with warm temperatures, your landscaping problems are solved. You simply need to add fruitless olive trees, and you are sorted. Not only are these ideal as a natural privacy screen, but they are also aesthetically pleasing. 

  • Ornamental Appeal: Offering timeless beauty and elegance, certain olive tree varieties are a treat to the eyes. The lush greenery makes them a sought-after choice for compact garden spaces. 
  • Versatility: whether you wish to frame an entryway or simply want to give your backyard a Mediterranean touch, it all starts with choosing the best olive tree. 
  • Space Efficiency: Due to their adaptable nature, Olive trees can thrive in compact spaces as well. Since these can be planted in containers as well, you can move them anywhere you want without much of a hassle.

If you wish to create a captivating landscape, you can add these species to decorate the entryways, use them as stunning centerpieces in small garden areas, or pair them with other aesthetic varieties to create a stylish backyard. 

Tips for Finding Quality Olive Plants for Sale

Whether you wish to gift this vibrant tree to someone you adore or simply want to add it to your landscape, it is necessary to select the best quality trees. Here are some tips to find quality olive plants for sale.

  • Check the genus closely. Inspect the leaves and bark, and be sure that it does not have any pests or fungal infections. It is essential to examine the plant health and opt for the ones with a strong root system. 
  • It is ideal to choose the olive trees that can thrive in the climatic conditions in which you live. Additionally, if you are relying on online shopping, always go for reputable websites and those that have plant knowledge. 

If you are planning to buy olive plants for sale, these steps will help you make an informed decision. 

Summary: Choose Your Perfect Olive Tree and Elevate Your Space

When it comes to deciding on an ideal olive tree for your garden space, it is mandatory to keep everything in mind that has been mentioned in the article above. Selecting the right tree, understanding its characteristics, following its care guide, and trusting the legitimate online websites is essential.

These trees not only add elegance and charm to your garden but also enhance the overall look of the surrounding area. What are you waiting for? Take the first step, add a stunning yet compact olive tree to your front lawn, and welcome the classiness along with it.