I'm thinking about planting an olive tree in my backyard near Austin. But different websites give wildly different accounts of their cold hardiness.

Has anyone grown or seen an olive tree outdoors in Austin or other areas with winters at least as cold? If so, what breed of olive was it? How did you take care of it?

Texas A&M says that Arbequina is an important exceptionally cold-hardy variety, so if anyone can tell me that Arbequinas really can't survive our winters that would help.

I'm pretty sure I've seen an olive tree growing in Round Rock, near you. I'm not sure of the species. I'd give it a try and Texas A&M should be a good guide.

I have an Arbequina olive tree here. It has done well until this freakishly cold February.

I am watching it but it shows no new growth. The branches are still flexible so my fingers are crossed.

I think it is beautiful foliage and love the structure of the tree. If it doesn't recover, I will replace it.

Pod, how long have you had that olive tree?

I had it before I joined this gardening site 10 years ago. I don't know exactly how long but kept it in a large container and pruned it. It was about four feet tall and the same width.

The roots would be more vulnerable to the freezing temps in a container. It likely would be better when planted in ground.

Olive (Olea europaea 'Arbequina') PlantFiles says it doesn't like to be as cold as it got this February. I don't like to get that cold either.

Gosh I hate to think about starting another one now that I know how long it took to get to that size.

There was a Greek restaurant in West, TX (on I35 near Waco) at one time. Owner was from Cypress. He told us he was growing olive trees successfully there in his yard.

I went ahead and bought and Arbequina olive. It's a bushy little thing about 2 1/2 feet tall, but it already has olives on it! Wow.

Good luck with it. I love the look of these trees.

And I am glad to report mine is beginning to put on new growth near the base. I haven't pruned it at all so will see how it develops.

May I ask where you located your Arbequina?

In the backyard, in full sun. Heavy clay soil.