Olea 'J5' (Olive Tree)

Olea 'J5' (Olive Tree) Details

Olea ‘J5’ is a variety of Olive tree grown in NZ gardens for its high yields of large fruit. The fruit are often squeezed to produce an oil with a distinct, fruity taste or they can be eaten fresh. They are dark purple-black when mature in autumn and originate from white-cream flowers in summer. The foliage comprises grey-green leaves which are held on rigid branches. This evergreen typically grows to 3 m tall and the same wide, performing best when grown in full sun on a well-drained site. It is tolerant of extended dry periods, moderate frost, and cool climates, and some wind, though will benefit from protection while establishing. This is one of the more popular olive tree varieties and is often grown for fruit production. Olea ‘J5’ also makes for an impressive specimen tree and is useful for screening, using as a windbreak, or being trimming either into a hedge or for topiary. For an Olea ‘J5’ hedge, space the trees 75 cm to 1 m apart.