Olea europaea 'Favolosa' (Olive Tree)

Common name: Favolosa Olive Tree

Description: This exceptional Italian olive cultivar represents a breakthrough in disease-resistant olive breeding. Favolosa FS17 is a clonal variety developed through careful selection from Frantoio olive seedlings, specifically bred to combat the devastating Xylella fastidiosa bacterium that has decimated olive groves across southern Europe. The tree exhibits a naturally compact, pendulous growth habit with flexible fruiting branches that bear silvery-green, evergreen foliage typical of Mediterranean olives. Small, fragrant creamy-white flowers appear in spring clusters, followed by excellent quality olives that produce premium extra virgin oil with medium-fruity characteristics, featuring spicy and bitter notes with hints of fresh grass, green apple, and almond. This variety combines traditional olive tree beauty with modern disease resistance, making it invaluable for sustainable olive cultivation.

Other benefits: exceptional resistance to Xylella fastidiosa disease, early entry into production, excellent oil quality with high antioxidant content, suitable for super-high density planting systems, evergreen foliage provides year-round interest

Wildlife attraction: bees and other pollinating insects are drawn to the spring flowers; birds may feed on the fruit

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 3-4m x 2-3m (naturally compact variety, can be kept smaller with pruning)

Position: full sun essential; sheltered position preferred in UK climate; benefits from warm, south-facing location; suitable for container growing

Soil pH: adaptable to various soil types; prefers well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline conditions (pH 6.5-8.0)

Moisture: drought tolerant once established; requires excellent drainage; moderate watering during growing season; avoid waterlogged conditions

Winter hardiness: moderately hardy to approximately -10°C; requires protection in colder regions; excellent for container cultivation allowing winter protection

Breeding heritage: FS17 was developed as an Italian clonal rootstock through mass selection of Frantoio variety seedlings. This cultivar gained prominence specifically for its proven resistance to Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium responsible for Olive Quick Decline Syndrome. The variety demonstrates limited desiccation and low bacterial populations when infected, making it a crucial tool in combating this devastating disease that has affected millions of olive trees across southern Italy and the Mediterranean region.