Oleaster
(Elaeagnus x ebbingei)

It is unusual that the Oleaster hedge produces bell-shaped flowers in autumn, and berries in spring, as we would expect them to appear in reverse order, but this only adds distinct interest to the plant. With this, the leaves are a rich, dark green with little silver specks and silver undersides, which can look remarkable when the wind begins to blow. Being an evergreen, this plant is sure to be the one to light up your space all year round, as well as giving you a little bit of wildlife interest to the garden.

The Elaeagnus x ebbingei is relatively fast growing, at roughly 30-50cm per year. Though it is fast growing, however, it is rather easy to maintain, meaning you have a stunning and dense hedge that will not give you too much trouble over the years.

As a hardy evergreen hedge, the Oleaster is seen to be perfect for dry, windy, seaside or shady sites- though it is not recommended to place this plant in cold, very alkaline, or wet sites. Saying that, the Oleaster can be ideal for exposed sites.

• Growth height: Fast (40-60cm per year)
• Ideal height: 2.5m+ Tall
• Soil Type: Normal
• Exposure: Coastal, Exposed, Inland
• Aspect: Full shade, Sun
• Evergreen foliage? Yes

You should only have to worry about trimming your Oleaster in the late summer, once it has flowered (and that is if you are forming a hedge). All you need to do is simply trim/cut away any diseased or unruly shoots to maintain the shape. As well as this, ensure that any plain green leaved shoots are removed as and when they appear- and cut back to where they have come through on the plant. If you are wanting to keep the fruit (berries) for yourself, or for the wildlife, then ensure any pruning is carried out in mid-spring through to April and May.

When should I plant Oleaster hedging?

The best time to plant Oleaster hedging is from late Autumn through to late Winter.

How far apart do you plant Oleaster plants?

If you are planting a single row of Oleaster hedging, ensure you plant about 2-3 plants per metre. This will give you the most dense, bushy hedge.

How to plant your Oleaster:

Dig a hole that is two/three times as deep and wide as the root ball of the plant. For Oleaster, the wider the hole, the better.

Depending on the type of the soil, porosity (availability and movement of air/water in the soil) and fertility, it may be worthwhile mixing in a soil amendment to the soil that is removed to make the planting hole. For dense or poor-quality soils, mix in topsoil, and for soil that is very sandy, mix in some topsoil with peat moss and compost (this will help retain moisture).

Next, remove the plant from its container and gently loosen the roots that surround the surface of the root ball. Place the plant into the planting hole, ensuring it is straight, and then back-fill with the amended soil mixture. Press it down lightly as you go, to remove any air pockets.

Water the planting area thoroughly, and feel free to add a bit of root stimulator if you are wanting to boost the plant even further. To retain moisture and defeat weeds, feel free to add a 1-2" layer of chipped wood mulch/straw around the planting area.