Swan Hill Olive

Olea europaea 'Swan Hill'

Light

Water

Low water once established. Water deeply across the root zone, then allow soil to dry between irrigations. Young trees need more frequent watering; established trees benefit from occasional deep irrigation during Phoenix summers.

Size

25-30 ft tall × 25-30 ft wide

Habit

Upright tree – multi-trunk

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Description

A nearly fruitless olive cultivar with silvery evergreen foliage, a broad canopy, and a picturesque trunk that becomes gnarled with age; well suited to Phoenix landscapes.

Bloom Time

Spring (insignificant)

Deciduous / Evergreen

Evergreen

Special Features

Drought Tolerant

Growth Rate

Moderate

Growth Habit

Upright tree – multi-trunk

Mature Size

25-30 ft tall × 25-30 ft wide

Flower Color

White

Foliage Color

Silver-green

Landscape Use

Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Shade Tree, Specimen / Accent

Garden Style

Desert / Xeriscape, Mediterranean

Soil

Alkaline Tolerant, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Deer grass, Desert marigold, Red yucca, Texas sage, Trailing rosemary

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Care Instructions

Light: Full sun; tolerates reflected heat once established.

Water: Low water once established. Water deeply across the root zone, then allow soil to dry between irrigations. Young trees need more frequent watering; established trees benefit from occasional deep irrigation during Phoenix summers.

Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soil; tolerates alkaline desert soils. Avoid persistently wet soil and poorly drained planting sites.

Mature size: Typically 25–30 feet tall and 25–30 feet wide; may grow larger with age and favorable conditions.

Bloom: Usually produces few or no flowers; occasional inconspicuous flowers may appear in spring.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate; faster with appropriate irrigation while young.