It is a non-fruiting non-pollinating olive tree that grows to a consistent size and shape. Unlike the common European Olive, Swan Hill Olives® trees have been grafted onto a vigorous, disease-resistant rootstock.
Swan Hill Olives® trees thrive in Sunset Zones 8-9, 11-24, H1-H2 and in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8-10, making them an excellent choice for landscapes in many parts of the Western US.
Swan Hill Olives® trees can reach a height of 20’-30’ and width of 20’ to 30’ when fully grown.
Swan Hill Olives® trees are available for sale to landscape professionals throughout California and Arizona, and to retail customers in Northern California.
Find a place to purchase on our Where to Buy page!
Swan Hill Olives® trees are evergreen, however they do shed old leaves throughout the year.
Yes, the Swan Hill Olives® tree may produce flowers, and in some years the flowering can be profuse! However, the tree is unable to produce perfect flowers, which are necessary for fruit production, so little or no pollen is released (less than 1% compared to flowering olive varieties).
September to October is the best time to top dress using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the manufacturer’s recommended rate.
Learn more about caring for your olive tree on our Olive Tree Care page!
This is a more subjective question depending on the appearance you are trying to maintain with your standard or multi-trunk tree. However, as multi-trunk trees mature, the lower branches and foliage are often removed to expose the attractive shape of the lower trunks. Avoid pruning March to June, as fresh pruning cuts may attract Olive Branch and Twig Borers in areas where they are present. Pruning is best accomplished in late summer or late winter, but only as needed.
Learn more about pruning your olive tree on our Olive Tree Care page!
Proper irrigation is critical in the successful establishment of all trees. In general, a tree needs two deep waterings per week through its first growing season, and then once a week going forward. Soil moisture should be checked to determine if your tree is receiving the proper amount.
Learn more about irrigation on our Olive Tree Care page!
Swan Hill Olives® trees do not have many common pests, but in some regions Olive Scale can be found.
No, Swan Hill Olives® trees are very adaptable to soil conditions. Good drainage and proper irrigation are more important to the success of your tree.
Swan Hill Olives® trees are non-fruiting, but in certain climatic regions when the proper conditions exist, they will form a false fruit known as “shot fruit.” These false fruits are mostly made of water and usually contain no pit. They will dry up, fall from the tree, and quickly disappear, leaving little or no trace.
Swan Hill Olives® trees are grafted onto rootstock that is a more vigorous variety, accounting for more rapid growth.
Trees can be kept in a pot or container, but the roots will become compacted over time and the tree will need to be transplanted into a larger container or planted in the ground, otherwise it will begin to decline.
A standard Swan Hill Olives® tree will have a single branch-free trunk, with the first limb starting at 5’- 6’ above ground. A multi tree will have multiple trunks at the base, or it will begin to branch low down on a single trunk.
The term specimen tree is subjective. Some may consider any nursery grown box tree to be a specimen, where others consider a specimen tree to be a more mature, field collected tree. In either case, a specimen tree is typically sold in a larger box size of 60” or above. In design terms, a specimen tree may also refer to a single tree that becomes a feature or focal point in a landscape design. The Swan Hill Olive® tree makes an excellent specimen tree due to its graceful branches, attractive shape, and beautiful gray bark that becomes gnarled with age.
Trees are grown to the following finished sizes: 24” box or 25 gallon, 36” box, 48” box, 60” box, 72” box, 84” box, 96” box, 108” box, and 120” box. The sizes available for purchase will vary depending on the nursery.
Choose Swan Hill Olives® trees for your next project. Our trees are suitable for residential designs, commercial landscapes, and municipal projects. Landscape professionals can purchase trees through Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery. Retail customers can purchase Swan Hill Olives® trees for easy home delivery through Landscape Plant Source.