The following was received via email: I would like to know if it is possible to grow an olive tree in the Okanagan Valley, and if so what type would you recommend, and where could I purchase one. Thank You Evelyn
Hello Evelyn, If you would like to buy an Olive tree, Collasantis Nursery in Leamington Ontario they carry this tree. I don't know the enail address but you can find them. I'll see if I can get the right address for you. Have a nice day, Homestaymom
They could definitely work in large containers, as long as you bring them into a protected area during the coldest months. As far as I know, temperatures around -10 or lower can damage them, and they will be killed to the ground at -13 although they may re-grow.
There are many BC nurseries that stock Olea europea cultivars, so the original inquirer wouldn't nessesarily have to order from Ontario Canada. Olives would love the summers but perish in the periodic extremes of winter that occur in the Okanagan Valley. Cheers, LPN.
I don't know what happened to my reply from yesterday- it's not showing up in the thread so I will mention again that the day before I discovered an olive tree growing in the bush west of the Okanagan- the Thompson-Nicola area which is actually colder. There are actually two olives and theyare bearing quite a bit of fruit. Despite not being tended to it appears to be thriving... there are a lot of eccentric people who plant things in the 'wilderness' in this area. So, if the needs of light, water and wind shelter are met obviously an olive can survive in this area now that our winters are getting milder.
Your post was moved to its own thread, as questions about the id of the plant were asked: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=84043