A large shrub or small tree with velvety, olive-green leaves and white trumpet flowers through the hottest months. It is not a true olive. People choose it for months of bloom on modest water and for its ability to take full Phoenix sun.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the tree schedule in our Landscape Care guide while it establishes. Once mature it is drought tolerant, but it needs supplemental water in summer to look its best. A little more water brings lusher leaves and more flowers. Good drainage matters.
Pruning
Decide early whether you want a shrub or a tree. For a tree form, select a few strong trunks and remove low shoots as they appear. Prune after a freeze only once new growth shows what was damaged.
Cold
A hard freeze can brown the leaves, and the tree may look rough until spring. It usually leafs out again from the branches.
How our designers use it
Summer color
It flowers through the stretch when most desert trees are resting, which keeps a front yard or courtyard lively in June and July.
Small spaces
Its modest size suits side yards, entries and narrow beds where a full shade tree would be too much.
Low screen or group planting
Planted in groups, it makes a flowering evergreen screen that hummingbirds and butterflies visit.
Good to know
Around the pool
It drops flowers, leaves and fruit regularly. We generally keep it a short distance from the water and away from light-colored pavers where fruit can be crushed underfoot.
