Olea europaea 'Tolleys Upright'
'Tolley’s Upright' is a long-lived, slow-growing olive tree with attractive silver-grey foliage and a gnarled grey trunk that develops with age. This variety is characterized by its low fruit-bearing capability, making it ideal for streetscapes, as there is no concern about fruit dropping on pathways. It features symmetrical branching and an upright growth habit, contributing to its suitability for urban environments.
Cultural
Full sun is essential for healthy growth and fruit production in olive trees. They thrive in slightly alkaline, sandy, or loamy soils, though they can tolerate poor, rocky conditions. Once established, olive trees are drought-tolerant, but young trees require regular watering, especially during dry periods and during flowering and fruit production, particularly in containers. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead branches. While generally hardy, olive trees can be susceptible to pests like the olive fruit fly and fungal diseases. Olives are typically harvested in late autumn to early winter.
Landscape Uses
A symbol of peace and happiness, the olive tree has been grown for centuries for its fruit, oil, and timber. Olives are a perfect choice for Mediterranean, coastal, and low-water gardens. They are suitable for windbreaks, screens, topiary, or as specimen trees. Pair them with other plants from our Aussie Mediterranean range, such as Laurus ‘Flavour Master’ and Westringia ‘Jervis Gem’.
Dimensions
Height to 10.0m
Width to 5.0m
Can be kept significantly smaller through pruning.
Width to 5.0m
Can be kept significantly smaller through pruning.