Olea europea ‘Frantoio’

European Olive

Evergreen Tree

"We’ve grown this extraordinarily cold hardy european olive selection for years. And its performance in the city of Portland is stellar. Fast growing somewhat wild looking, ever-silver tree to 20′ tall and 15′ wide in 10 years. In time it develops a gnarled trunk adding to the trees character. This is a self fertile selection and sets fruit very heavily even on singular trees. The fleshy moderately sized fruits are most prized for oil. They may be brined. (Follow any recipe on the internet). Be aware of autumn and winter fruit drop- not for patios, instead plant a large ground cover at the base for the unwanted fruit to drop and hide. Birds will eat the olives too- especially larger birds. Overall, its a pretty tree when the thin blue gray leaves are tossed by the wind revealing their silvery undersides. Fast growing especially if watering is frequent and diligent during youth. Water like crazy for the first summer to spur growth and establishment. Olive trees gain cold hardiness with age/size. Small plants are tender to dead below 15ºF but a three year old, well watered of the same variety will be undamaged at much colder temperatures than that. Excellent performance in ice and snow (see picture below)- bends but does not break. Protect containerized plants from temperatures below 15ºF. Drought adapted when established. A warm position." Xera Plants

Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10

Exposure: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low, Low Water / No Water

Description

Size: 180 - 240 tall x 120 - 120 wide
Shape / Form: Upright
Foliage Texture: Fine
Foliage Quality: Fine

Features: Attractive Foliage, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Low Maintenance, Winter Interest, Year-round Interest

Foliage Color: Silver / Gray

Flower Color: Ivory / Cream
Bloom Season: Summer

Fruit Description: Bird / Wildlife Forage, Black, Culinary Value

Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Container, Hell Strip, Kitchen Garden, Mixed Border, Specimen, Street Tree, Structure / Foundation
Special Situations: Courtyard / Urban Garden, Heat Tolerant, Low Water / No Water, Reflected Heat, Seaside / Salt Tolerant

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: back drop
Plant Behavior: Fast Growing / Vigorous, Messy

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: medium

Plant Combos