Wild-olive Plant Care

Wild-olive (Bontia daphnoides) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Bontia genus. Wild-olive is also known as White-cedar.

Wild-olive displays a compact, mounding shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Wild-olive produces small, tubular flowers in clusters of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Wild-olive every 5–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Wild-olive thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Bontia daphnoides tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Wild-olive prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Wild-olive to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Wild-olive every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Wild-olive is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Wild-olive can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Wild-olive while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Wild-olive is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Wild-olive can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Wild-olive is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Wild-olive grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Wild-olive as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.