 Each month the UW Botanic Gardens' Newsletter, E-Flora, posts in detail about a specific plant, among many other interesting posts about events and general information. This month's feature is about olive trees, which can be found at the Arboretum.
Here is the posting:
March Plant Profile: Olea europaea ‘Frantoio’ |
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‘Frantoio’ is one of the most successful olive trees for the Pacific Northwest. Touted as the hardiest olive for our climate, it can withstand 10° F or below and apparently gains cold hardiness the older it gets. Beautiful silvery foliage is attractive year-round. Form tends to grow more tree-like than shrubby. Best of all, as we can attest to this past February, it handles snow and ice quite well. Bring the Mediterranean to your backyard with what many consider the premier olive oil-producing tree.
This tree is well adapted to our winter rain region (Mediterranean climate), but best to provide protection from winds, if possible. Needs at least ½ day to full sun and well-drained soil. No pest or disease problems.
‘Frantoio’ is self-fertile, though crops will be heavier with another variety nearby. Will begin bearing olives 1-2 years after planting.
Common Name: Frantoio Olive
Scientific Name:
Olea europaea ‘Frantoio’
Location: Washington Park Arboretum, Mediterranean Collections display, map grid 21-3E, adjacent to Arboretum Dr E.
Origin: 'Frantoio', a cultivar, is grown mainly in the Tuscany region of central Italy and said to be the benchmark for olive oil in Italy.
Height and Spread: A fast-growing tree to 20′ tall x 10′ wide in 10 years.
Bloom/Berry time: Bloom time is May. Olives ripening in October.
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