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, °Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
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 ·¡²¹²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
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
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