"David (Normandy)" wrote in message
...
Has anyone got any experience growing an olive tree outside in the UK?
I've just bought one (an impulse buy) but according to the label it should
be kept in a frost free place over Winter. The tree is 5 feet high with a
half inch diameter trunk. We don't have much suitable space so it would be
inconvenient to keep it indoors over Winter.

After Googling, it seems they can survive outside in the UK if they are
mature enough. Question is - what is mature enough? Would it survive
planted
outdoors in a sheltered but sunny spot provided I wrapped it head to toe
in
fleece over Winter, until it is old enough to cope?

Also - are they self fertile or do I need another tree? I'm partial to
juicy
black olives.

The weather here in Normandy is very similar to Southern England.

Any suggestions?

--
David
... Email address on website http://www.avisoft.co.uk


There are two trees in my village both fruiting, but rather small fruits,
both trees now 10 years plus, min temp during that time probably winter
05/06 it was -9c here for several nights! and of course Cornwall is famously
wet and humid. They are not fleeced or protected but are slightly higher up
the valley and there possibly not as cold as me.

--
Charlie, gardening in Cornwall.
http://www.roselandhouse.co.uk
Holders of National Plant Collections of Clematis viticella (cvs) and
Lapageria rosea