Elaeagnus macrophylla
large-flowered oleaster
A vigorous, wide-spreading evergreen shrub, to 3m high and 5m wide, with spineless branches which are covered in silvery scales when young. Broad, rounded leaves, 5-12cm long, are intensely silvery when young because of the silvery scales on both sides which gradually wear off the upper surfaces so that they become glossy dark green. Clusters of small but extremely-fragrant, silvery-cream flowers in autumn are followed by edible, oval, red fruit in late spring or early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 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 | Grey Silver Brown | Green Grey Silver | Red | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver Brown | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Brown | Cream Grey Silver | Green Grey Silver | |
| Winter | Brown | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Elaeagnaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- 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
- Korea Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun or partial shade; will thrive by the coast, and in any well-drained soil, including poor soil, except very shallow chalk
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in a cold frame in autumn, by layering in spring, by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or by grafting in late winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
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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