Description:

This spectacular variety is more compact, with a weeping habit; fragrant white flowers in summer give way to green drupes that darken to a glossy brown; can be grown as an ornamental as well; a beautiful accent tree or screen

Ornamental Features

Arbequina European Olive is bathed in stunning panicles of fragrant creamy white flowers along the branches from mid to late spring. The fruits are showy brown drupes carried in abundance from mid summer to early fall. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up. It has dark green foliage with grayish green undersides which emerges chartreuse in spring. The glossy narrow leaves remain dark green throughout the winter. The smooth gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

This plant is primarily grown as an ornamental, but it's also valued for its edible qualities. The oval pungent fruit is most often used in the following ways:

• Eating When Cooked/Prepared
• Cooking
• Juice-Making

Landscape Attributes

Arbequina European Olive is an evergreen tree with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It is a good choice for attracting birds and bees to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Arbequina European Olive is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade
• Hedges/Screening
• Orchard/Edible Landscaping
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Arbequina European Olive will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 500 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to dry locations, and dislikes excessive moisture. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.

Arbequina European Olive is a fine choice for the yard, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its spreading habit of growth, it is ideally suited for use as a 'spiller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the edges where it can spill gracefully over the pot. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.