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Olive Twisty

Olive Twisty

Olive Specimen Tree

$500.00
$500.00
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.
Pot Size/Grade

If you want a plant that looks designed rather than just planted, the Olive ‘Leccino’ Twisty is hard to beat. Trained with a sculptural, twisty trunk and finished with a neat ball of silvery-green foliage, this is a true specimen olive tree — the kind that instantly elevates an entranceway, courtyard, patio, or pool area. 

Olive ‘Leccino’ Twisty suits modern NZ gardens where you want clean structure and year-round style without fussy care. The foliage has that classic Mediterranean look, and the overall shape brings instant maturity to a new build or freshly landscaped space (no waiting years for it to “look good”). Pop one in a pair by the front door, anchor a corner of a courtyard, or use it as a feature in a large pot where you can show off that trunk.

Position in full sun to part-shade and away from strong wind. Ideal for a sheltered deck, patio or courtyard.

900MM of clear steam these are currently standing at over 1M tall. 

  • Expected 5 Year Height 3.0 M Width 3.0 M

Is Olive Twisty suitable for my garden?

Olive Twisty is best suited in a position that gets

  • Full sun
  • Partial shade

Olive Twisty is

  • Frost Tolerant
  • Edible
  • Cold hardy

Olive Twisty will thrive in soil that is

  • Nutrient rich
  • Free draining
  • Normal

How to establish your Olive Twisty?

Position: Place your Olive ‘Leccino’ Twisty in full sun for best leaf colour and strong growth. It suits entranceways, courtyards and patios where it gets good light and airflow.

Shelter: Once established, olives handle wind well, but as a specimen standard it’s best to give some shelter from brutal, cold southerlies (especially in exposed South Island sites) to keep the canopy tidy.

Soil & drainage: Olives hate wet feet. Choose free-draining soil or build a slight mound if your ground holds water. In heavier soils, mix in grit/pumice and avoid low spots where water sits.

Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot, only as deep as the root ball. Keep the trunk flare at ground level (don’t bury it). Backfill firmly and water in well.

Staking: Because this is a topiary-style standard, stake it for the first 12–24 months so the trunk doesn’t rock in wind. Trunk movement can loosen roots and slow establishment.

Watering (first summer): Water deeply 1–2 times per week in dry spells for the first season. In very hot weather or sandy soils, increase frequency. After the first year, olives are very drought tolerant but still appreciate a deep drink during long dry periods.

How to maintain your Olive Twisty once established?

Pruning for shape: To keep the ball neat, lightly clip the canopy 1–3 times a year (spring through early autumn). This encourages tight, dense foliage and keeps that “finished” look.

Best pruning time: Do your main tidy-up in late spring once frosts have eased. In colder areas, avoid hard pruning in late autumn/winter.

Remove suckers: Regularly remove any shoots from the trunk or base (suckers). They steal energy and ruin the clean standard form.

Watering (once established): The Olive ‘Leccino’ Twisty is low-maintenance once settled. Water only during extended dry spells — think deep soak every 2–3 weeks in hot, dry weather if it’s in the ground. (Potted olives need more frequent watering.)

Feeding: A light feed in spring is usually enough. If growth looks pale or slow, add a second light feed in mid-summer.

Frost care: ‘Leccino’ handles cold well once established, but young or freshly planted specimens can be nipped by hard frosts. In the first winter, protect the pot/roots and avoid wet, cold soil.

If it’s in a pot: Use a large, heavy pot for stability. Ensure drainage holes are clear, and consider refreshing the top layer of mix annually or repot every few years as roots fill the container.
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