OLIVE / Olea Europaea 'Swan Hill'

Swan Hill Fruitless Olive

Botanical Name: OLIVE / Olea europaea 'Swan Hill'
Family: Oleaceae
Origin: Mediterranean
Plant Type: Evergreen tree (can be kept shrub-sized by clipping)

Overview

Purpose-bred for Adelaide and South Australian landscapes, ‘Swan Hill’ is the virtually fruitless, low-mess olive. You get the classic Mediterranean look—silvery grey-green foliage and sculptural branching—without nuisance fruit drop or staining near paving, pools and cars. Heat, coastal wind and drought hold few fears once established, making it a standout for streets, courtyards and water-wise gardens.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 5–8 m H × 4–6 m W unpruned; maintainable at 2–4 m with regular clipping
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Narrow grey-green leaves with silvery undersides; fresh pale-green new growth; occasional soft olive/bronze tints in heat/cold snaps
• Flowers: Sparse, insignificant creamy sprays in late spring; virtually fruitless (minimal to no fruit set)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round silver foliage and elegant form; spring bloom (low pollen), attractive bark and winter silhouette
• Wildlife Value: Limited (little to no fruit = fewer berry-feeding birds)
• Tolerance: Drought-Tolerant (once established), Heat-Tolerant, Coastal-Tolerant, Wind-Tolerant, Frost hardy once established; Clay-Tolerant if well-drained
• Planting Density: Hedge/row: 1–1.5 m apart (clipped). Specimen/avenue: 3–5 m apart
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic; fruit drop is minimal to none on this cultivar

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hrs/day) for compact growth and best performance
• Soil: Well-drained loam, sandy loam or improved clay; thrives on limestone/alkaline soils
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); seldom in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Prune after winter or post–spring flush to shape/open canopy; tip-prune in summer if hedging. Feed in early spring; add dolomite/lime if soil is very acidic
• Lifespan: 50-100+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal Adelaide
• Soil pH: Acid, Neutral, Alkaline (best Neutral → mildly Alkaline)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Poolside or paving-friendly feature—Mediterranean style without messy fruit in Adelaide backyards
• Narrow, clipped silver hedge along driveways or boundaries; low maintenance and water-wise
• Street and courtyard tree for SA heat and coastal sites—tough, clean and elegant

Why You Will Love It

‘Swan Hill’ delivers the look of olives without the mess—perfect for South Australian homes that want classic style around hard surfaces. It thrives in Adelaide’s heat and coastal air, needs little water once established, and stays tidy and allergy-considerate with minimal fruit and low pollen.