Looking for a self-fertile olive tree in the UK?
Bianchera is a particularly interesting choice for anyone hoping to grow their own olives here in the UK. Unlike varieties that rely more heavily on cross-pollination. Bianchera is self-fertile and can set fruit without another olive tree.
If you would like to encourage larger harvests, however, growing an additional compatible olive is always worth considering. Our Grow Your Own Olive collection includes varieties such as Frantoio, Arbequina and Leccino, giving you more choice when building your own little olive grove.
Bianchera olive tree (also known as Belica, Istrska Belica and Istarska Bjelica) is a fascinating northern Adriatic olive cultivar, valued for its ability to cope with cooler growing conditions and its exceptionally interesting olive oil profile. Originating in the Trieste region of north-eastern Italy and widely grown across Slovenia and Istria, this distinctive variety brings a little of the northern Mediterranean to your own garden.
Bianchera has a remarkable horticultural history. Following the severe winter frost of 1956 in Istria, it became an important variety in the region, where its tolerance of low temperatures helped establish its reputation. It is also known for its naturally vigorous, upright growth and dense evergreen canopy, making it an attractive choice as well as a productive olive tree.
Measurements
Height including pot 1 metre 70cm approximately
3.5 litre pot.
Bianchera- high in Polyphenols
Bianchera is particularly interesting for its naturally high polyphenol content, something that has attracted attention from olive oil enthusiasts. Research published in the journal Molecules in 2021 examined Bianchera/Belica extra virgin olive oils and confirmed a rich profile of phenolic compounds, including oleocanthal.
These naturally occurring compounds contribute to the distinctive bitter and peppery character prized in quality extra virgin olive oil.
Our trees are grown in Tuscany and hand-selected by us, so we can introduce you to a less familiar olive variety that we believe deserves a place in the UK garden. It is a lovely choice for anyone who wants to grow something a little different and perhaps enjoy their own home-grown olives in years to come. Our Bianchera trees are three years old and supplied in their nursery pots, ready to plant out. With suitable growing conditions, they can begin producing fruit from next year, although the timing and quantity of the first crop will depend on establishment, flowering and the season. Bianchera is notably tolerant of cold and strong winds for an olive cultivar, making it an interesting choice for Britishgardeners looking beyond the more familiar varieties. As with any olive, prolonged severe frost and waterlogged soil can cause problems, so a warm, well-drained position will help your tree establish successfully.
Our trees are grown in Tuscany by our award winning grower and hand-selected by us, ready to become part of your own olive-growing journey.
