Texas Olive

Plant Type: Trees
Plant Height: 15-20 feet
Spread: 10-15 feet
Flower Color: white
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Texas Olive (Cordia boissieri): A Hardy, Flowering Tree Perfect for Desert Landscapes

Texas Olive, scientifically known as Cordia boissieri, is a semi-evergreen tree native to South Texas and northern Mexico. Highly valued for its ornamental flowers and drought tolerance, Texas Olive is an attractive choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscapes in arid regions.

Key Features of Texas Olive

• Striking Flowers: The white, trumpet-shaped flowers resemble true olive blossoms and typically measure 2-3 inches across, featuring a yellow throat. The blooms appear throughout the warmer months, attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Lush Foliage: Texas Olive has broad, leathery, dark green leaves that provide dense, vibrant foliage, adding a lush appearance to desert landscapes. Its canopy is compact and rounded, making it ideal for small gardens, patios, and courtyards.

Growing and Care Requirements

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil: Adapts to various soil types as long as they are well-draining.
• Watering: Once established, Texas Olive is highly drought-tolerant, making it a sustainable choice for low-water landscapes.
• Maintenance: Minimal pruning is required; however, occasional shaping can enhance growth and encourage more flowering.

Landscaping Uses

• Specimen Tree: Texas Olive serves as a striking focal point in gardens, with its stunning flowers and dense foliage.
• Courtyards and Patios: Perfect for smaller spaces where it can showcase its lush canopy and extended flowering season.
• Wildlife Gardens: Attracts a variety of pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.

Summary

Texas Olive is a low-maintenance and ornamental tree that thrives in hot, dry climates. Its elegant flowers, resilient foliage, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for desert gardens and sustainable landscapes. With its ability to provide color, shade, and ecological benefits, Texas Olive is a favorite for gardeners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with a beautiful, drought-resistant tree.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Texas Olive

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly alkaline soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 6-8 feet apart for optimal growth and to allow for their bushy form
• 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: Texas Olive is a self-supporting shrub/tree and does not require staking. It grows into a bushy, evergreen tree with small, white flowers

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 5-6 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 3-4 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Texas Olive is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10-14 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 7-10 days. Provide 3-4 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the tree for deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 2 emitters per tree for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 7-10 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks