Azorean ash Plant Care

Azorean ash (Picconia azorica) belongs to the Oleaceae family within the Picconia genus. Azorean ash is native to the form of a shrub. Azorean ash is also known as Azores olivewood.

Azorean ash displays an upright, small tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Azorean ash produces small clusters of white, fragrant flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Azorean ash every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Azorean ash thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Picconia azorica tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Azorean ash prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Azorean ash to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Azorean ash every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Azorean ash is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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

Azorean ash can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Azorean ash 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 tree in one year.

Azorean ash is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Azorean ash can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to canary island ash plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Azorean ash is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Azorean ash grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Azorean ash is native to the form of a shrub. In cooler regions, grow Azorean ash as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.