Olea europaea 'Montra'
Light: Full sun; tolerates light shade. In Phoenix, protect newly planted or container-grown specimens from intense reflected afternoon heat.
Water: Low water once established in the ground. Water deeply, allowing the upper several inches of soil to dry between irrigations. Newly planted trees and containers need more frequent watering, especially during Phoenix summers.
Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, rocky, and alkaline conditions. Avoid waterlogged soil and planting holes that retain water.
Mature size: The natural shrub typically reaches 4–6 feet tall and wide. Two-ball tree dimensions depend on trunk height and pruning; confirm the nursery’s intended finished size.
Bloom: Rarely blooms; any flowers generally appear in spring. Grown primarily for foliage and topiary form.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate, depending on irrigation and growing conditions.