The Skylark Olive Tree, a distinct cultivar of Olea europaea, offers a blend of ornamental beauty and adaptability, making it a popular choice for various landscapes. Its compact growth habit and appealing foliage contribute to its widespread appeal, particularly for those seeking a Mediterranean aesthetic in their gardens. This tree is valued for its visual contribution rather than significant fruit production, fitting well into diverse outdoor settings.
Skylark Olive Tree Characteristics
The ‘Skylark’ olive has a compact, often multi-trunked form, typically reaching 6 to 16 feet in height and 4 to 12 feet in spread, depending on conditions. This slow-growing evergreen features small, narrowly elliptic leaves with a silvery-green to blue hue, often with a distinct silver sheen on their undersides. The dense foliage provides a refined texture and color that remains consistent throughout the year. While grown for ornamental qualities, the ‘Skylark’ olive is nearly fruitless due to distorted anthers and low fruit set. White flowers appear in spring or summer, adding seasonal interest to the tree.
Planting and Growing Conditions
The ‘Skylark’ olive thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11, though it can tolerate temperatures down to 10-15°F. For colder regions (zones 4-7), container growing allows the tree to be moved indoors during winter for protection. It requires ample sunlight, ideally 8 to 10 hours of direct sun.
The tree adapts to a variety of soil types, including poor or rocky soils, but requires well-draining conditions. Good drainage is crucial, as poor drainage is a common cause of tree loss, especially in the first two years. A soil pH that is average to slightly alkaline (up to 8.0) is suitable. When planting, amending heavy clay soils with compost and mulch to create a raised mound can improve drainage. For container planting, a mix of two-thirds premium potting soil and one-third fine mulch enhances drainage.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is important for young ‘Skylark’ olive trees during their first two years for establishment. Once mature, these trees become very drought-tolerant, requiring infrequent watering. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to issues. Fertilization can be done with a balanced fertilizer during spring, ensuring it is applied away from the trunk.
Pruning the ‘Skylark’ olive tree helps maintain its shape and promote overall health. While heavy pruning is not necessary for fruit production, removing crossing, dead, damaged, or diseased branches is beneficial. Pruning can also be used to manage the tree’s size, as it responds well to shaping. In regions with colder winters, protecting the tree is important; for container-grown specimens, moving them to a sheltered indoor location is recommended.
Common Issues and Solutions
While generally resilient, ‘Skylark’ olive trees can encounter challenges. Pests are not commonly a significant issue for this cultivar. However, general olive pests like the olive fruit fly or scale insects can affect olive trees, so regular inspection is advised. Diseases such as verticillium wilt or peacock spot are also less common with this variety. Ensuring proper air circulation through judicious pruning can help prevent fungal issues.
Environmental stress can manifest as yellowing leaves, indicating overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. Checking soil moisture levels before watering helps prevent watering issues. Addressing nutrient imbalances through appropriate fertilization can resolve deficiencies.