Elaeagnus umbellata 'Sweet 'n' Tart' (F)

RHS Plant Profile
oleaster 'Sweet 'n' Tart'
oleaster 'Sweet 'n' Tart' RHS
Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

A fast-growing shrub, up to 5m high, with deciduous, soft, narrow green leaves with silvery undersides, and abundant small but very fragrant cream flowers in early summer. Flowers are followed by round, red, sweet, acidic, edible fruits, larger than those typical for the species, in autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Elaeagnaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Accepted
Horticultural Group
This genus produces fruit, but not necessarily edible fruit

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun; will thrive in any well-drained soil, including poor soil, except very shallow chalk

Propagation

Propagate by root cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot or leaf spot (fungal) see leaf damage on woody plants