Little Ollie® Dwarf Olive Tree

Be inspired to achieve domestic bliss with help from the versatile charms of Little Ollie® Dwarf Olive (Olea europaea 'Montra'). This non-fruiting broadleaf evergreen shrub boasts dark green foliage with silvery undersides, fine-textured wispy leaves, and a naturally rounded habit. It’s a mess-free, heat-tolerant, deer-resistant ornamental that brings Mediterranean elegance to gardens of all sizes.

Its multi-stemmed form and long, lance-shaped leaves create movement and grace as breezes lift the silvery undersides. Tough, reliable, and extremely adaptable, this shrub shines in containers, hedges, privacy screens, and topiary designs. Its foliage offers year-round appeal without the worry of unwanted fruit drop, making it a perfect choice for patios, pathways, and small-space landscapes.

Native to the Mediterranean region, the Olive family has a long history of symbolism tied to peace, longevity, and abundance. While this cultivar rarely produces fruit, it still embodies that iconic look and heritage, linking you to a timeless landscape tradition. Plant lovers and designers alike are hunting for this special variety as a modern, low-maintenance alternative to Boxwood.

Key Features

• Excellent foliage with dark green tops and silvery-gray undersides
• Fine-textured and graceful form
• Multi-stemmed broadleaf evergreen
• Non-fruiting - no mess near patios or sidewalks
• Heat-tolerant and waterwise once established
• Shear, hard prune, or shape into topiary and tree form
• Ideal for small gardens, containers, and Mediterranean-style designs
• Handles coastal conditions and reflected heat
• Rarely damaged by deer

Landscaping Uses

Little Ollie® Dwarf Olive is compact and versatile, typically growing 2-4 feet tall and wide, making it a designer’s dream for both formal and informal gardens.

• Use as a low-maintenance hedge or screen
• Create topiary, patio trees, or clipped accent forms
• Add structure to mixed garden borders
• Plant in rows or mass plantings for modern cohesion
• Decorate patios and balconies in long-lasting containers
• Partner with Lavender, Flax Lily, or Ornamental Grasses for texture and fragrance

Care & Maintenance

Little Ollie thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11. This is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that keeps its foliage year-round and can be shaped or left natural. It is highly heat-tolerant, waterwise, and extremely adaptable once established.

• Planting Time: Best in spring or fall for quick establishment
• Sun Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
• Soil Requirements: Needs well-drained soil; tolerates sandy or rocky soils but avoid standing water
• Moisture Needs: Drought-tolerant once established, but water regularly the first year to establish roots. Use the Finger Test to check soil moisture.
• Mulching: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base, pulling it back from stems
• Fertilization Needs: Use balanced fertilizer or compost in spring to support growth
• Pruning Info: Clip yearly in early spring to maintain hedge or topiary form. Can be hard-pruned if needed.
• Special Perks: Deer-resistant, heat-tolerant, handles coastal and urban conditions, low maintenance

Don’t forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong symbiotic root support!

Bring Home the Beauty of Little Ollie®

This mess-free, evergreen shrub is as flexible as your imagination. Whether you want a formal hedge, a creative topiary, or a natural rounded form, the Little Ollie® Dwarf Olive will deliver elegance and structure. Order yours today from Nature Hills and enjoy its Mediterranean charm delivered right to your door!

FAQs

Is Little Ollie Dwarf Olive messy? No, this is a non-fruiting variety, so you won’t deal with dropped olives.

Can Little Ollie Dwarf Olive grow in containers? Yes, it thrives in pots and can live for years with proper pruning and watering.

How tall does Little Ollie Dwarf Olive grow? Typically 2-4 feet tall and wide, though it can be shaped taller if trained as a small tree.

Does Little Ollie Dwarf Olive tolerate cold? It is hardy in USDA zones 8-11, so it is not suitable for regions with severe winters.

How often should I prune Little Ollie Dwarf Olive? Once a year in spring is usually enough, though it tolerates more frequent shearing for topiary forms.