Ancient olive trees are appreciated for their beauty and appealing silvery green leaves, making them a popular ornamental plant. However, although these trees may continue to produce significant amounts of fruit after having been in existence for hundreds of years, they are increasingly sought after as status symbols and for the beauty of their twisted and gnarled trunks and branches.
When placed on each side of a driveway, doorway, or loggia, these trees instantly give a space a sense of solidity and historical significance. Both homeowners and landscape architects use these trees in garden designs to give shade, seclusion, and noise reduction benefits—complementing many different types of design, from antique Tuscan architecture to stark contemporary minimalism and beyond.
Ancient olive trees are exceedingly versatile and thrive in ordinary, slightly alkaline, well-drained soils. Just water profoundly and often over the first few growing seasons to help the plant build a strong root system. Once established, lessen the frequency of application; it is drought tolerant. However, protect young plants (or freshly transplanted ancients) from winter weather extremes.
Quick Facts |
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Origin | Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia |
Scientific Name | Olea Europaea |
Family | Oleaceae |
Tree Type | Fruiting and Fruitless |
Common Names | The Olive Tree, Ancient Olive, Olea Europaea |
Height | (Insert) |
Toxicity | Non Toxic |
Light | Full Sun |
Watering | Drought-Tolerant |
Soil | Well-Drained-Nutrient Poor Soil |
Hardiness | Hardy Down 20 to 30 °F |
Foliage | Gray-to-Dark Green |
Growth | Slow |
Olive Oil | Depend Upon Desired Cultivar |