STANDARD / OLIVE / Olea europaea 'Paragon'

Frantoio / Frantoio Olive

Botanical Name: OLIVE / Olea europaea 'Paragon' (Frantoio)
Family: Oleaceae
Origin: Mediterranean cultivar (Italy)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub (grafted standard)

Overview

A classic Tuscan olive trained as a standard for clean, architectural form in Adelaide gardens. ‘Paragon’ (Frantoio) is prized for reliable crops and silvery foliage: small creamy spring flowers are followed by medium, elongated olives suited to pickling (green or black) and excellent for oil. Tough, heat- and coastal-tolerant once established.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.8–3 m H × 1–2 m W as a maintained standard
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Narrow, silvery grey-green leaves; fresh pale new growth
• Flowers: Small cream-white sprays in late spring; medium, elongated fruit in summer–autumn (table & oil)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen silver structure; spring bloom; fruit colour through summer–autumn
• Wildlife Value: Flowers support bees/beneficials; ripe fruit may attract birds (net if needed)
• Tolerance: Drought-, heat- & coastal-tolerant once established; wind hardy; light–moderate frost tolerant; avoid waterlogging
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen standards: space 1.5–2 m apart; one per large pot (45–60 cm+)
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally non-toxic; olive pits can be a choking hazard

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (8+ hrs/day) for best flowering/fruiting
• Soil: Free-draining loam, sandy loam or improved clay; olives suit SA’s alkaline-leaning soils
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; little in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; light clip after harvest or late winter to keep the lollipop canopy; remove shoots below the graft; slow-release feed in early spring (modest rates); net fruit if staining near paving is a concern
• Lifespan: 40–80+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal suburbs
• Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline preferred; amend heavy acid soils toward neutral

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Formal pairs flanking gates, paths and entries
• Avenue of standards along driveways/fences for rhythm and structure
• Feature pot specimen on patios/courtyards; underplant with Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ or blue chalk sticks

Why You Will Love It

Authentic Mediterranean look that thrives in Adelaide—silvery foliage, rugged drought tolerance and reliable, high-quality table/olive-oil fruit—all on a neat, easy-to-maintain standard canopy.