Shady Lady Trees For Sale: The Striking Evergreen That Brings Beauty and Shade to Any Yard

The shady lady black olive tree, also known by its scientific name Bucida buceras, is an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and landscapers looking to add striking beauty and useful shade to yards With its lush dark green foliage, tropical look, and wide spreading canopy, the shady lady black olive tree makes a gorgeous focal point while also serving practical purposes.

In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about shady lady trees for sale. including

• An Overview of the Shady Lady Black Olive Tree
• Appearance and Growth Habit
• Where to Plant Shady Lady Trees
• Sunlight and Soil Requirements
• Maintenance and Care
• Pest or Disease Concerns
• Uses in Landscaping and Yard Design
• Availability of Shady Lady Trees for Sale

An Overview of the Shady Lady Black Olive Tree

Native to tropical regions like the Caribbean and Central America, the shady lady black olive is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall and 25 feet wide. It has an upright, symmetrical growth habit with a rounded canopy of branching layers. The foliage is a lush, glossy dark green color that looks tropical.

While it thrives in its native tropical climates, the shady lady black olive tree can also tolerate the warmer zones of the United States, generally zones 9-11. It has moderate drought tolerance once established which makes it a lower maintenance choice for landscapes and yards.

This tropical-looking tree makes a striking statement in any yard or garden. Its lush foliage provides dappled shade under the canopy, making it a popular shade tree choice. The shady lady black olive works well in parks, lawns, golf courses and other large landscape areas. Its versatile look allows it to fit into tropical inspired, Mediterranean, or subtropical landscape designs.

Appearance and Growth Habit

The shady lady black olive tree has an upright, symmetrical growth habit. It has a straight trunk with tiers of horizontal branching layers, giving it a rounded, spreading canopy. The oval-shaped leaves are 5 to 8 inches long, leathery and shiny with a bold, dark green color. Tiny white or greenish flowers bloom in spring but they are not very noticeable.

These evergreen trees are fast growing, adding a height of 10 to 15 feet in the first few years. Their average mature height is 30 to 50 feet with an equal spread of 25 to 35 feet wide. The shady lady has a moderate growth rate once established.

Proper pruning when the tree is young will encourage the horizontal branching structure that gives the shady lady black olive its graceful, spreading canopy shape as it matures.

Where to Plant Shady Lady Trees

The shady lady black olive thrives in zones 9 through 11, where it can be planted directly in the ground for landscape uses. In cooler zones, it can be grown in containers that allow it to be moved indoors during winter months.

This tropical-looking tree requires warm temperatures and high humidity similar to its native Caribbean climate. It will struggle with frost or freezing weather.

When planting a shady lady tree, choose a location with full sun for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, especially as it matures, but grows best with 6 hours or more of direct sun. Select a sheltered spot away from strong winds.

Make sure to give it plenty of room to reach its mature size. Space trees at least 25 feet apart. It looks stunning planted solo as a focal point or grouped together for a bold tropical statement. The shady lady also pairs well with palms, birds of paradise and other tropical foliage.

Sunlight and Soil Requirements

Sunlight: The shady lady thrives best in full sun locations. Young trees should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. More mature trees can tolerate partial shade but still prefer full sun.

Soil: This adaptable tree grows well in most soil types including sand, loam and clay. Although it tolerates a range of soil pH, slightly acidic soil in the 5.5 to 7.0 range is optimal. Well-draining soil is necessary to prevent fungal root rot issues.

Maintenance and Care

One of the appeals of the shady lady tree is that it requires minimal care and maintenance once established. Following planting, it needs regular irrigation for the first year while its roots systems develops. After establishment, it has moderate drought tolerance. Provide supplemental water during periods of extreme drought.

The shady lady is not particular about soil fertility. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again mid-summer will keep the foliage lush and healthy. Avoid over-fertilizing which can cause leggy growth.

Pruning needs are minimal. Younger trees should be trained to encourage horizontal branching. Occasional pruning is needed to maintain the desired shape and size as the shady lady matures. Avoid heavy pruning which compromises its natural shape.

Pest or Disease Concerns

Overall, the shady lady black olive tree is quite hardy with very few pest or disease problems. Like many trees, it can be susceptible to scale if not properly maintained. Regular pruning, preventive soil drench treatments, and horticultural oils can deter scale insects.

Under watering, over watering or poor drainage can lead to fungal diseases like root rot. Providing appropriate irrigation, well-draining soil and proper fertilization minimizes disease risks. Using organic mulch around the root zone adds beneficial nutrition as it decomposes over time.

Uses in Landscaping and Yard Design

With its tropical flair, the shady lady black olive tree is highly versatile and can enhance many landscape themes. Here are some ways to effectively use it in yard and garden designs:

• Shade Tree – The shady lady’s wide, spreading canopy provides excellent filtered shade for yards, patios, decks, and pools.

• Focal Point – Its striking form and foliage make a dramatic focal point, especially when planted solo or in small groupings.

• Screening – Plant in a staggered line to form a lush green privacy screen or wind barrier.

• Street Tree or Boulevard – Adds drama and shade when used as a street, parking lot or boulevard tree.

• Tropical Gardens – Enhances the lush, exotic look of tropical or Florida-style landscape designs.

• Xeriscaping – Once established, the shady lady’s drought tolerance makes it a good xeriscape choice.

Availability of Shady Lady Trees for Sale

As the shady lady black olive grows in popularity, availability has increased through local and online nurseries. Prices range from $95 for a 1-2 feet tree in a 1gallon container up to $550 or more for larger 5-6 feet specimens in 5gallon containers. Larger growers may offer bulk discounts on multiple trees.

When buying a shady lady tree, inspect it closely for any signs of pests, diseases, or damage. Look for healthy foliage with no yellowing or brown spots. Avoid trees with crossing branches, limp stems, or root circling. The tree should not be root bound or pot bound in its container.

For the best selection and pricing, consider purchasing your shady lady tree from an online nursery that ships live plants. Reputable sellers safely ship container trees year round, protected from temperature extremes. Order during the cooler seasons to avoid exposure to summer heat in transit.

With its graceful, spreading canopy and lush tropical foliage, the shady lady black olive tree provides striking beauty paired with practical shade. For yards and gardens in warm climates, it’s a stunning, low maintenance versatile tree that enhances any landscape. Check with your local or online nursery about availability to add this gorgeous tropical tree to your outdoor space.