Which ornamental olive tree is right for me? is a question as unavoidable as the daunting task of choice you face with more than 800 varieties available. Yet choosing the right "Oleo europaea" isn't just about adding a new olive tree to your garden, it's the act of planting a legacy that grows in time with everlasting beauty.

The Perfect Olive Tree Does Exist…

But Which One Is Right For You?

For the discerning home-garden enthusiast, adding an ornamental olive tree to your landscaping masterplan is a significant step-up in terms of heritage and prestige. But historically speaking, with their century-spanning longevity Olea Europea (olive tree) has provided power and economic force for countless Mediterranean civilizations.

Today, their demand in the culinary world is as strong as ever as a source of table olives and oil extract for cooking. Indeed, many cuisines could hardly exist were it not for this revered tree and its entrancingly aromatic harvest.

The Olive Tree Goes Chic

In its modern-day role as a prized landscaping feature for high-end gardening and grounds enhancement, olive trees have gained an avid following of tasteful landscaping aficionados who appreciate its aesthetic qualities rather than the fruit.

But before you join the fast-growing worldwide decorative olive tree community, it should be noted that there are over 800 widely-varied and distinctive olive tree cultivars available. With these numbers, one question pops out like a drupe (the raw olive fruit) on a branch:

Which olive tree to buy?    

Good question, and unfortunately one to which we don’t have the definitive answer. But the essential intel you’ll find in this article will help you see the bigger picture so that you can make an informed decision on which olive tree meets your specific preferences and needs.

We mean the best one for you.

But before getting into some of those exotic olive tree cultivar (variety) names you’ve probably heard slipping impressively off the tongues of experts, it’s a good idea to gain a basic understanding of the olive tree’s general growth profile and requirements.

Sky & Earth: The Importance of Climate

A crucially foundational question the would-be olive owner needs to ask themselves is: What’s the weather like where I live? This is because climate is a key factor in determining the quality of your lifelong ornamental olive tree experience. Olive trees prefer Mediterranean-like climates of mild winters and hot, dry summers.

Some varieties have a particular tolerance to humidity or wintry weather. This is why the prevailing climate of the proposed planting location of the tree should be carefully considered when browsing branches. (more on this below)

A Certain Class of Soil: A Welcome Dirt-y Secret

Olive trees are highly adaptive to varying soil type and quality, but there is a pH level sweet-spot of between 6 and 7 where olive trees grow best. And this is important: water-pooling and soggy roots are Kryptonite to olive trees, so it’s mission-critical that the planting spot is properly leveled and the underlying soil is well drained to create the most favorable growing environment possible for your stunning new garden addition.

It Looks Great… But Will It Fit?

Just as with anything permanent that increases in size over time, planting an olive tree requires a look ahead and the space it will occupy once it’s reached maturity. In general, close proximity to buildings and other structures should be avoided at the planting stage, and the 30-to-50 feet of canopy height, depending on the variety, should also be given careful thought early-on.

Another aspect to consider is growth rate: some varieties reach maturity and bear fruit sooner than others, which may or may not be a critical factor for landscaping purists not interested in fruiting cycles.

This is why the mantra of the home landscaping upgrade planner is: Know… Your… Olive… Tree… Varieties…

The Names That Will Determine Your Olive Tree Destiny

As you have read here, choosing the right olive tree that will bring decades of sun-dappled joy is a matter of ensuring the cultivar you choose appeals to your aesthetic preferences, and is a good fit with the new location’s climate for its growth profile needs.

Here are some of the most popular and adaptive ornamental olive tree varieties and their all-important characteristic growth traits:

• Arbequina: Compact canopy makes it ideal for small gardens and tight spaces

• Hojiblanca: Stunning appearance can enhance a wide range of landscape designs

• Piel Joven: “Young” variety that adds rustic elegance to outdoor or indoor settings

• Farga: Resistance to cold & disease, offers longevity and unchanging aesthetic charm

• Morrut: Complements a spectrum landscape of designs with enchanting appearance

• Molteno: Prized for large fruit, robust growth, its addition makes a bold aesthetic statement

• Hausca: Fast-maturing tree delivers quick growth for new landscape projects

• Sylvestris: Uncultivated variety valued for its wild appearance, perfect for “uncultured” designs

Each of these olive tree varieties brings its own unique characteristics that can be blended into uncountable configurations and setting types and designed as an extension of your taste to enhance the beauty and functionality of gardens, patios, and other outdoor or indoor spaces.

A Little Care Goes A Long Way

Although an olive tree is one of the easiest-care and lowest-cost landscaping choices you can make, they are still living plants that require some basic upkeep and routine maintenance essential for its development and long-term health. This means regular hydration but never over-watering; routine fertilizing; and season-sensitive pruning are key to a rewarding olive tree experience.

And although some common pests and diseases can afflict your tree, online DIY resources or consulting a reliable specialist nursery can easily and quickly eliminate these unpleasant but not undefeatable natural bio-invaders.

Purchase Your Olive Tree from a Reputable Supplier

One Non-nature related factor that can make a big difference is where your by your tree. Purchasing your olive tree from a reputable supplier ensures you're getting a healthy and properly cared-for tree that complies with all import and forestry regulations. Check online for positive reviews and take note of how readily key information about their trees is available. Researching and choosing a reliable supplier protects your investment and sets your olive tree up for success.

Knowledge Let You Make The Right Olive Tree Choice

Using the information you’ve learned in this article will help you better understand factors that influence how your olive tree adapts to the climate of its new home.

Whether you're new to the olive tree landscaping scene or you’re a seasoned home gardener, the valuable intel you’ve just been briefed will be a welcome guide in choosing a gaze-grabbing olive tree for your outdoor living space.

You Got Some Fact, Now Time To Act

See, touch and experience for yourself the captivating presence a well-landscaped olive tree can create…

Visit us at Century Olive Tree Show Nursery and Show Gardens, and stroll amid these ancient and exotic trees, presented in actual landscape settings for maximum inspiration to find the tree that’s right for you.

Here you’ll find a wide selection and expert advice to ensure that your landscaping vision will come to life and remain an enduring legacy for generations to come.

Book your personal nursery tour ASAP! It’s quick and hassle-free on our official LINE account, or call +66 9896 82666, +66 9339 33666.