Little Olli Bush

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 2-4 feet
Spread: 2-4 feet
Flower Color: pink
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Dwarf Olive (Olea europaea 'Dwarf') – Compact, Mediterranean-Inspired Evergreen for Arizona Landscapes

Introduce a touch of Mediterranean elegance to your Phoenix Valley garden with the Dwarf Olive, a compact and resilient variety of the classic olive tree. Scientifically known as Olea europaea 'Dwarf,' this small-scale evergreen is known for its silver-gray foliage and ability to thrive in hot, arid climates. Perfect for water-wise gardens, the Dwarf Olive provides year-round beauty with minimal care, making it an ideal choice for Arizona’s dry landscape.

Key Features of Dwarf Olive

The Dwarf Olive typically grows to a height and spread of 3 to 8 feet, forming a compact, rounded shape that adds structure and charm to small garden beds, borders, and containers. Its small, oval leaves display a striking silver-gray hue, creating a lush, ornamental look that complements Arizona’s desert landscapes. While not primarily grown for its fruit, the Dwarf Olive may produce small olives under the right conditions, bringing additional interest and a touch of Mediterranean authenticity to your garden.

Adapted to full sun, Dwarf Olive thrives in well-draining soil and is drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for Phoenix Valley’s dry climate. This hardy shrub or small tree requires little maintenance beyond occasional pruning, providing a low-maintenance solution for homeowners and landscape designers alike.

A Water-Wise Choice for Phoenix Valley Gardens

Dwarf Olive’s drought tolerance and minimal water needs make it an excellent choice for Arizona’s water-conscious landscapes. This compact tree provides year-round greenery and silver-gray foliage with little watering, supporting sustainable gardening practices in the Phoenix Valley.

Versatile Uses for Dwarf Olive in Phoenix Valley Landscaping

• Low Hedges and Borders: With its dense, bushy growth, Dwarf Olive is ideal for creating low hedges and borders, adding structure and elegance to garden beds, pathways, and entryways.

• Foundation Planting: The silver-gray foliage and compact size make it a lovely choice for foundation plantings, providing color and texture around patios, porches, and garden walls.

• Container Planting for Patios and Courtyards: Dwarf Olive’s small size and year-round beauty make it perfect for container planting, allowing it to be placed on patios, balconies, or in courtyards for a Mediterranean-inspired look.

• Xeriscaping and Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Well-suited to dry conditions, Dwarf Olive is a valuable addition to xeriscapes and water-wise landscapes, blending well with other low-water plants.

Care Tips for Growing Dwarf Olive in Phoenix Valley

Plant Dwarf Olive in a sunny location with well-draining soil for optimal growth. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system; afterward, it requires minimal supplemental watering. Occasional pruning can help maintain shape and remove any dead or overgrown branches. Known for its resilience, Dwarf Olive is a low-maintenance choice, making it perfect for Arizona gardeners seeking stylish, drought-tolerant plants.

Why Dwarf Olive is Perfect for Arizona Landscapes

Dwarf Olive offers Phoenix Valley gardeners a compact, stylish shrub that provides evergreen structure and Mediterranean flair with minimal care. Its tolerance for drought, attractive silver-gray foliage, and compact form make it a versatile addition to gardens, courtyards, and xeriscapes. Whether used as a low hedge, in foundation plantings, or as a container feature, Dwarf Olive combines beauty and resilience, enhancing Arizona gardens with its refined appearance and adaptability. For a low-maintenance plant that thrives in warm climates, Dwarf Olive is an exceptional choice.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Little Olli Bush

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or slightly acidic soil
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for dense, compact growth
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Little Olli Bush requires no staking and grows in a rounded, bushy form

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Little Olli Bush is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering to every 5-7 days in summer. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks