Olea europaea 'Skylark Dwarf'
Olive
Description
Introduced in the late 1960s, this olive was selected specifically as an ornamental, being shrubby and small (probably 10 feet at maturity) and having neat rows of branches set with equally neat rows of smallish, gray-green, elliptical-shaped leaves. It sets few, sometimes no fruits unless a different olive is nearby to act as a pollinator. Sun, reasonably well drained soil, only occasional watering when established (olives are nearly as drought tolerant as our native oaks). Hardy to 15 degrees F. or less. Slow growing. Cream colored flowers appear in summer.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
6-12'
Width Range
Flower Color
White
Flower Season
Summer
Leaf Color
Grey Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low, Low
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish
Accenting Features
Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Lawn, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences
Special Uses
Filler, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Wind Break
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Move turf away form sidewalks and pavement.
Instead plant shrubs or groundcovers next to the pavement, and water with low-flow drip or bubbler system to eliminate runoff from turf sprinklers