What Can I Plant Under an Olive Tree?

Planting under an olive tree can be a great way to use the space in your garden and add some diversity to your landscape. However, it's important to choose the right plants that won't compete with the olive tree's roots and are well-suited to growing in the shade. Here are some ideas for what you can plant under an olive tree:

Groundcovers

Groundcovers are low-growing plants that spread quickly and cover the ground. Some good options for planting under an olive tree include:

Creeping thyme: A low-growing perennial herb with fragrant leaves and small pink or purple flowers.

Corsican mint: A fragrant, low-growing herb with tiny leaves and pink or purple flowers.

Creeping phlox: A low-growing plant with bright purple or pink flowers and evergreen foliage.

Shade-loving Plants

Olive trees provide partial shade, which can be the perfect environment for some shade-loving plants. Here are some plants that thrive in shady conditions:

Hostas: These plants have large, textured leaves and come in a variety of colors and sizes.

Ferns: These plants have delicate foliage and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Begonias: These plants have colorful flowers and come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Drought-tolerant Plants

Olive trees are well-suited to dry climates, and planting drought-tolerant plants under them can help conserve water and create a cohesive landscape. Here are some drought-tolerant plants that do well under olive trees:

Lavender: A fragrant herb with blue or purple flowers that thrives in dry conditions.

Sage: A fragrant herb with gray-green leaves that is drought tolerant and attracts pollinators.

Yarrow: A perennial plant with delicate foliage that comes in a variety of colors and is drought tolerant.

Avoid These Plants

It's important to avoid planting certain types of plants under olive trees, as they can compete with the tree's roots for nutrients and water, potentially harming the tree. Here are some plants to avoid:

Grasses: Grasses have deep roots and can compete with olive trees for nutrients and water. Additionally, they may require more water than olive trees.

Large Shrubs: Large shrubs can grow too close to the olive tree and shade it from the sun, potentially harming the tree.

Vines: Vines can wrap around the trunk of the olive tree and potentially harm it, as well as compete for water and nutrients.

With careful planning and plant selection, you can create a beautiful and diverse landscape under your olive trees. Choose plants that complement the tree's shape and color, and that are well-suited to the conditions in your garden. By doing so, you'll create a beautiful and sustainable garden that you can enjoy for years to come.