Wilsoni Fruitless Potted Olive Tree

Wilsoni fruitless olive

Wilsoni is an ornamental selection of Olea europaea grown for its evergreen gray-green foliage and rounded canopy rather than an edible crop. It can be trained as a single- or multi-trunk tree and may reach roughly 25 feet where climate and site allow.

“Fruitless” means reduced fruiting, not a guarantee of zero flowers, pollen, or fruit. University of California guidance notes that fruitless cultivars other than Swan Hill may occasionally produce small flowers or fruit. This product should not be promoted as allergy-free.

Site and use

Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Allow room for the mature canopy. Once established, olives tolerate dry periods better than many landscape trees, but young and container-grown plants still need attentive irrigation.

Planting and care

Choose a full-sun site with well-drained soil and enough room for the mature canopy. Dig a hole no deeper than the root ball and wider than the container. Set the tree at the same soil level it had in the pot, backfill with native soil, and water thoroughly. Keep the root zone evenly moist during establishment without leaving it waterlogged.

Prune lightly to establish the desired form and remove dead, damaged, or crossing growth. A tree kept in a container needs more frequent irrigation and periodic root and canopy management. Mature size and cold response vary with climate, site, pruning, and care.

See our olive growing guide, shop olive trees, or browse all potted fruit trees.

Choose Wilsoni for structure and foliage rather than fruit, while allowing for the possibility of occasional flowers or small fruit.