Which Olive Tree is Your Favourite?
When you think of an olive tree, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the graceful silvery leaves shimmering in the sun, or perhaps the promise of Mediterranean charm in the garden. But there’s something particularly captivating about a gnarled olive tree – the twisting trunks, the character etched into every curve, and the sense of history they carry.
At The Norfolk Olive Tree Company, we asked a simple question: Which is your favourite olive tree? Here’s what Paul, Luca – and I – had to say.
Paul’s Favourite: The Ancient Gnarled Olive Tree
Paul has a soft spot for the truly ancient specimens.
“For me, the gnarled olive tree wins every time,” he says. “There’s a story written in the bark. You can see centuries of growth, of survival. These trees have lived through sun, storm, and season, and they stand proud. They make a garden feel instantly established and timeless.”
Luca’s Favourite: The Quirky Character Trees
Luca, on the other hand, loves the unusual shapes that trees sometimes develop.
“I like the trees that look a little bit different,” he explains. “Some of them lean, some twist in unexpected ways, and others have branches that stretch out like arms. They feel alive, almost like they have personalities of their own.”
My Favourite: The Smooth Stem Olive Trees
It’s hard to choose – I really do love them all – but one of my favourites has to be the smooth stem varieties. There’s something so elegant about the multistem olive tree or the wide, architectural canopy of the parachute olive tree.
Their clean lines and graceful form bring a contemporary edge to a garden design, yet still capture that Mediterranean charm. They’re softer in appearance than the gnarled olive tree but every bit as striking.
The Beauty of the Gnarled Olive Tree
Whether ancient or young, a gnarled beauty offers something that smooth-barked varieties cannot. They add depth and character to a garden, acting as a natural sculpture that changes with the light. No two are ever the same, and that’s exactly why they’re so special.
If you’re looking to bring a piece of the Mediterranean into your outdoor space, a specimen tree is more than just a plant – it’s a talking point, a legacy, and a living piece of history.
So we’ll leave the question with you: Which is your favourite? The smooth and elegant, or the ruggedly gnarled?
