Description
Ancient Fruiting Olive Tree – A Timeless Statement of Heritage, Beauty, and Productivity
Botanical Name: Olea europaea
Common Name: Ancient Fruiting Olive, Heritage Olive Tree
Plant Type: Evergreen Fruit Tree
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Soil Type: Well-Drained, Sandy or Loamy Soil
Hardiness Zones: 8–11
Growth Habit: Gnarled Trunk, Broad Canopy, Naturally Sculptural Form
Bloom Time: Spring (Small White Flowers)
Mature Size: 15–30 ft. tall, 15–25 ft. wide
Why Choose an Ancient Fruiting Olive Tree?
The Ancient Fruiting Olive Tree is a living symbol of endurance, culture, and natural artistry. With hundreds of years of age, these trees possess deeply furrowed, gnarled trunks, and a majestic, time-worn presence that adds unmatched character to any landscape. In addition to their aesthetic value, they are productive fruiting trees, yielding classic Mediterranean olives for curing or pressing. Highly drought-tolerant, evergreen, and low-maintenance, these trees are ideal for both ornamental and edible gardens.
Key Features
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Authentic, centuries-old trunks with sculptural, one-of-a-kind form
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Evergreen silvery-green foliage for year-round interest
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Produces edible olives with proper pollination and care
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Exceptionally drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
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Resistant to fire, deer, and poor soils
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Works as a living focal point or centerpiece in any landscapeIdeal Uses in Landscaping
This historic and functional tree is perfect for luxury landscapes, Mediterranean gardens, edible landscapes, and high-impact entryways.
Perfect for:
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Showpiece tree for courtyards, estates, and vineyards
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Edible gardens and olive groves
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Drought-tolerant and firewise landscaping
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Historic or Mediterranean-inspired designs
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Xeriscaping and low-maintenance garden architecture
Care Instructions
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Watering: Very low once established; prefers deep, infrequent watering.
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Sunlight: Requires full sun for healthy foliage and fruit production.
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Soil: Thrives in well-drained soils; tolerates poor or rocky conditions.
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Pruning: Light pruning to enhance shape or remove dead wood.
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Cold Tolerance: Hardy in zones 8–11; protect from hard freezes.
Pro Tip: For reliable fruiting, pair with another olive variety or select a self-fertile cultivar. Apply a light feeding in early spring to support healthy growth.