Elaeagnus angustifolia
Russian olive
A deciduous, spreading shrub to 6m in height, with red-tinted, silvery shoots, sometimes spiky. Leaves are oval-shaped, to 10cm in length, dark green above and silver and scaly underneath. Small, fragrant creamy-yellow flowers from silvery buds appear in summer, followed by scaly, silvery-yellow fruit in autumn
Synonyms
Elaeagnus angustifolia var. orientalisElaeagnus argentea Moench
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Elaeagnaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Bushy
- Genus
Elaeagnus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple, often silvery-scaled leaves, and small fragrant tubular flowers borne in clusters in the leaf axils, and followed by small juicy fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun, tolerant of dry soil and coastal winds but may become chlorotic on shallow chalky soils
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or remove rooted suckers in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to elaeagnus sucker
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot or leaf spot (fungal) see leaf damage on woody plants
Get involved
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