Overview
Elaeagnus angustifolia is a fast-growing, dense, compact, vigorous, wide-spreading deciduous tree in the genus Elaeagnus, part of the Elaeagnaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 7.0 m tall. Elaeagnus angustifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedging, screening, coastal gardens and exposed gardens. It is native to Afghanistan, Altay, Assam, Central European Russia, China North-Central, China Southeast, East Aegean Is., East European Russia, Inner Mongolia, Iran, Kazakhstan and Kirgizstan.
About
Elaeagnus angustifolia, commonly called Russian olive, silver berry, oleaster, or wild olive, is a species of Elaeagnus, native to Asia and limited areas of eastern Europe. It is widely established in North America as an introduced species.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Elaeagnus angustifolia
About the genus
Elaeagnus is a genus of about 90 species of flowering plants in the family Elaeagnaceae. Species of the genus are commonly known as silverberry or oleaster.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Elaeagnus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Elaeagnus angustifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Deciduous tree
- Habit
- Fast-growing, Dense, Compact, Vigorous, Wide-spreading
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 7.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Hedging, Screening, Coastal gardens, Exposed gardens
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Altay, Assam, Central European Russia, China North-Central, China Southeast, East Aegean Is., East European Russia, Inner Mongolia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan
- Fragrance
- Fragrant flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Elaeagnus angustifolia
- Propagation
- Seed in autumn, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, Grafting in late winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Elaeagnus angustifolia?
Elaeagnus angustifolia prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Elaeagnus angustifolia need?
Elaeagnus angustifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Elaeagnus angustifolia grow?
Elaeagnus angustifolia reaches a height of 7.0 m.
Is Elaeagnus angustifolia hardy in the UK?
Elaeagnus angustifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Elaeagnus angustifolia?
Seed in autumn, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, Grafting in late winter.
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