Elaeagnus or Oleaster: Planting, Pruning, Care Tips

Description and botany

Elaeagnus or oleaster is a small deciduous or evergreen tree or shrub, sometimes thorny, belonging to the Elaeagnaceae family. The genus comprises 45 species growing naturally along waterways but also on grassy hillsides and in dry meadows of Asia, southern Europe and North America.

Among the most commonly cultivated are: Elaeagnus angustifolia, also called “Russian olive” with foliage resembling that of an olive tree; Elaeagnus commutata, a large and rare beautiful shrub with deciduous silvery-grey foliage; Elaeagnus umbellata and multiflora (goumi); Elaeagnus pungens; and the very widespread Elaeagnus ebbingei, a persistent hybrid between Elaeagnus macrophylla and pungens, and its numerous cultivars.

The shrub takes about a year to establish itself, then shows moderate to very rapid growth. The rootstock of some species spreads through suckering, allowing it to fill out in just a few years. It forms a dense, well-branched clump with a small trunk, reaching 1 to 10 m in height at most, with nearly equal spread.

Elaeagnus has a variable, broad habit – upright, rounded or slightly weeping. Some, like Elaeagnus angustifolia, develop a weeping form with branches that arch slightly over time. Elaeagnus x reflexa, rarely cultivated, is unique as a semi-climbing evergreen vine equipped with spurs that allow it to cling to trees and create impenetrable hedges.

The luminous, ever-moving foliage is Elaeagnus’s main attraction. The deciduous or evergreen vegetation is borne on branches and twigs that are often slightly thorny or armed with sharp decorative spines in winter. The shrub is uniquely covered in silvery scales, giving it a shiny appearance.

From spring, it reveals young shoots, twigs and petioles covered – especially underneath – with characteristic silvery or bronze-brown scales. This particularly decorative branching bears leathery, entire, alternate leaves 2-10 cm long, elliptic to lanceolate, glossy, matte or downy, often wavy-edged. The leaf blade is studded with small stellate, translucent metallic spots on top, like stardust. The undersides are also covered with numerous brown or silvery scales.

Depending on variety, leaves display all shades of green, yellow or grey, with intensity changing through seasons. Olive green, very silvery in spring, greyish-green in summer (resembling willow or olive leaves in Elaeagnus angustifolia); almond to grey-green, silvery-grey in Elaeagnus commutata Zempin; or dark green with grey reflections, with paler undersides. Some species have remarkably variegated foliage, like Elaeagnus pungens Maculata with dark yellow central blotches. All shimmer beautifully in sunlight.

Cultivars of Elaeagnus ebbingei like ‘Limelight’, ‘Gilt Edge’ or ‘Eleador’ stand out for their luminosity, displaying lovely shiny foliage variegated with gold and green, all the more remarkable as it persists through grey winter months.

Provided you don’t prune severely each year (it flowers on current year’s growth), you’ll enjoy its discreet but deliciously fragrant blooms. Depending on species and variety, flowering occurs in spring (Elaeagnus angustifolia), summer (Elaeagnus commutata ‘Zempin’) or autumn (all Ebbing’s eleagnus). Flower buds, like the whole plant, are covered in metallic-scaled reflections.

From May to November, small silvery-white or yellowish-white flowers appear, discreetly clustered in groups of 3-4 at leaf axils. These countless small tubular corollas, sometimes pendulous with 4 spreading petals, measure 1-10 cm long.

Though insignificant-looking beneath foliage, they exude an exquisite, sometimes powerful fragrance of jasmine, strawberry or honey, detectable several metres away. Highly melliferous and nectar-rich, they attract butterflies and other pollinators.

In autumn, they give way to small scaly fruits (also 1-3 cm long), resembling tiny yellow olives turning brown-orange then red with silvery bloom when ripe, much loved by birds. All berries from different Elaeagnus species are edible when fully ripe, though Elaeagnus multiflora (goumi) berries are particularly tasty – tangy and sweet. Best eaten cooked in jams or pastries, these berries are somewhat dry and mealy but very rich in vitamins and minerals.

Elaeagnus is exceptionally adaptable, undemanding and very easy to grow. It withstands almost everything: drought, pollution, sea spray and strong winds. It grows throughout France thanks to its hardiness (-15°C to -20°C). It thrives equally in sunny or semi-shaded spots (in hot climates).

It accepts all well-drained soils, even poor and infertile ones. However, it dislikes heavy, chalky soils and waterlogging, especially in winter.

Elaeagnus suits all gardens, coastal or dry. Its moderate size and dense silhouette allow multiple uses: in mixed, trimmed or flowering hedges, as a fruiting hedge or windbreak; it can also be grown as a specimen or in borders. It even takes well to topiary!

Elaeagnus means “sacred olive” in ancient Greek. The vernacular name “chalef” means “willow” in Arabic, likely because some Elaeagnus leaves resemble willow leaves, with which they were once thought to be related.

Elaeagnus angustifolia – Russian olive – Flowering branch and flower detail

Species and varieties

The Most Popular

Our Favourites

Elaeagnus ebbingei - Oleaster Silverberry

The foliage of this Oleaster is evergreen, making it ideal for hedges—whether trimmed or not—or as a windbreak

• Flowering time October to December
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Elaeagnus angustifolia - Russian Olive

It boasts abundant, highly fragrant spring blooms and sumptuous olive-like foliage. Perfect for mixed hedges or as a backdrop in borders

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 5 m

See the product sheet

Elaeagnus ebbingei Limelight - Oleaster

An Oleaster with lovely green foliage variegated with yellow, perfect for livening up hedges and adding cheer to dull borders!

• Flowering time October to December
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Elaeagnus ebbingei Gilt Edge - Oleaster

A brilliantly bright Oleaster, ideal for trimmed hedges but also for informal hedges, shrub borders, standalone planting, or even containers

• Flowering time October to December
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Elaeagnus commutata Zempin - Silverberry

It quickly forms a large shrub with silvery-grey foliage that plays wonderfully with wind and light. An excellent choice for hedges or borders

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 3 m

See the product sheet

Elaeagnus ebbingei Eleador - Oleaster

A beautiful evergreen shrub with particularly harmonious, dense growth—ideal for medium-height hedges!

• Flowering time October to December
• Height at maturity 1,75 m

See the product sheet

Elaeagnus pungens Variegata

We love its variegated evergreen foliage and its penetratingly fragrant silvery-white autumn blooms

• Height at maturity 3,50 m

See the product sheet

Elaeagnus ebbingei Maryline - Oleaster

This handsome evergreen Oleaster stands out for its luminous foliage, boldly marked with light yellow and edged in dark green—perfect for mixed or evergreen hedges

• Flowering time October to December
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to Plant Elaeagnus

LElaeagnus can be planted almost anywhere in France. Deciduous varieties, with their good cold resistance, can withstand frosts down to -20°C. Some evergreen species like Elaeagnus ebbingei offer less hardiness. Although capable of tolerating short frosts around -12°C in well-drained soil, they are better suited to mild climates. Evergreen Elaeagnus tolerate summer drought perfectly once established, while deciduous types are more cold-resistant but slightly less drought-tolerant.

Its suckering root system helps stabilise soil and withstand strong winds. It handles sea spray well, making it common in coastal gardens. This compact shrub suits small gardens or urban spaces, especially as it resists pollution.

LElaeagnus grows equally well in full sun or partial shade, though in hot climates, shelter from direct sun prevents leaf scorch (especially for variegated varieties). Its drought tolerance allows cultivation in poor, even stony soils, as it enriches surrounding soil via root bacteria.

Adaptable to most soils, it thrives in any well-drained garden soil – only avoiding heavy, waterlogged soils (especially in winter) and limestone. Persistently wet soil will almost certainly kill it! The exception is Elaeagnus commutata Zempin, a hardy cultivar tolerating limestone, sandy, dry or damp soils!

Fast-growing Elaeagnus works perfectly for quick hedges. Evergreen varieties, decorative year-round, excel in informal or formal hedges (single or mixed species). With sharp thorns, they also make excellent defensive hedges.

Yellow-variegated cultivars like ‘Gilt Edge’ or ‘Limelight’ suit standalone planting in beds. Compact varieties allow container growing on patios or balconies to enjoy their remarkable fragrance.

When to Plant Oleaster

Plant Elaeagnus in spring (March) or autumn (September) to encourage rooting before winter. Planting from February to May is possible, avoiding frost or extreme heat.

How to Plant Elaeagnus

1) In the ground

For hedges: Space plants 0.8–1m apart in light, well-drained soil with minimal limestone.

• Dig a hole/trench 3x wider than the rootball and 40–50cm deep
• Mix excavated soil 50:50 with compost
• Add gravel or clay pebbles for perfect drainage
• Position the shrub centrally, crown level with soil
• Backfill around roots
• Straighten and firm soil with your foot
• Water thoroughly at planting and weekly in the first year

2) Container growing

Possible in pots ≥30cm tall and 40cm wide. Choose evergreen varieties with very compact forms like Elaeagnus ebbingei Compacta or Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Maryline abrela’. Use rich, very free-draining soil (no waterlogging). Add clay pebbles at the base. Water regularly. Repot every 3 years.

→ Learn more in our guide: Growing Elaeagnus in pots

Maintenance and Pruning

Once well established, the Elaeagnus requires little care, as it is a shrub resistant to both cold and intense heat. It will harden over the years.

From March to October, during the period of vigorous growth, water more frequently but sparingly—it cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. Once fully established, it will no longer need watering, even in hot climates. In the first few years, apply a mulch of dead leaves or ferns to protect the base from severe frost.

For all variegated Elaeagnus, any stems reverting to green should be removed. Cut away green shoots and suckers (a phenomenon sometimes observed in variegated varieties), or they will eventually dominate.

Regular pruning is recommended. Elaeagnus grows very quickly, and while it has the advantage of forming hedges rapidly, it should be pruned often—at least twice a year— to maintain a bushy shape, an attractive appearance, and most importantly, the desired height. It can be easily shaped into a trimmed hedge or topiary. If left unpruned, Elaeagnus ebbingei becomes sprawling and may climb if it finds support.

Elaeagnus is not afraid of pruning and can even be cut back hard if necessary, though this will sacrifice its fragrant flowering. Prune in late winter to avoid compromising the blooms.

• In the first few years, carry out formative pruning: cut back by one-third of the height to encourage new stems and dense growth.
• To create a dense boundary hedge, prune preferably twice a year: once in late winter and again in mid-summer.
• For a free-growing hedge or standalone planting, a balancing prune will suffice to maintain a harmonious shape and keep a compact form, abundant flowering and fruiting, and dense foliage. In February-March, while the plant is still dormant—and to enjoy its flowers and fruit—remove damaged or dead branches and trim unruly, wayward, or tangled stems.

Diseases and potential pests

When grown in suitable conditions, the oleaster is a tough shrub resistant to pests. It has few natural enemies. In waterlogged and poorly drained soil, it may be threatened by diseases caused by devastating fungi such as coral spot disease, recognisable by its small orange pustules (how to prevent it?), which lead to dieback or even complete defoliation of the shrub.

In overly chalky or damp soil, it may suffer from chlorosis, which manifests as gradual yellowing of the leaves and, eventually, the decline of the shrub.

A well-drained soil, regularly enriched with compost or peat, will help prevent these issues. Some branches may suddenly dry out completely, indicating water deficiency. Remove the dead branches and water moderately.

Psyllids, a type of sap-sucking aphid, may occasionally infest the shrub and weaken it: yellowing leaves, sticky and deformed young shoots, and the presence of waxy filaments are signs of their presence. Apply a 5% diluted black soap spray, as you would for aphids. They can also be eradicated by natural predators such as ladybirds or hoverflies.

→ Learn more about diseases and pests affecting Eleagnus in our advice sheet.

Propagation

Elaeagnus can be propagated by seed, by suckers or cuttings. The simplest method is to take semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Growing from seed is rather tedious and time-consuming, as fruiting only occurs 4 to 5 years after sowing.

Semi-hardwood cuttings

• Carry out between mid-July and September
• Using secateurs, cut 10cm shoots from this year’s growth just below a node, selecting stems that are semi-ripe (partially hardened and woody at the base)
• Remove the lower leaves from the stem
• Plant the cuttings in a tray, spaced 10cm apart, in a mix of peat, river sand and compost
• Place under a cold frame, cloche or plastic film
• Keep the growing medium moist until roots develop
• Once well rooted, carefully separate the cuttings and pot them individually in containers filled with compost
• Protect from frost over winter
• Prune back shoots by one third of their height to encourage branching
• Repot as needed and only transplant into open ground two years later in spring

By dividing suckers

You can easily propagate Elaeagnus by dividing suckers. In October, use a spade to separate rooted suckers and replant them immediately, taking care to water well.

Pairing

With its luminous foliage that plays wonderfully with wind and light, the Elaeagnus or Oleaster brightens up dull areas of the garden. Its exceptional adaptability makes it an excellent choice for hedges or borders. Its bushy habit and the brilliance of its variegated leaves make it highly decorative.

It is invaluable in coastal gardens or dry gardens. Highly resistant to pollution, it is also perfect for urban gardens. It blends well in hedges with all types of shrubs, such as cotoneasters or Cistus laurifolius, and as a backdrop in borders for taller varieties, paired with variegated evergreen plants like dogwoods or aucubas.

In a mixed hedge, it will stand out alongside other beautiful shrubs such as Abelia x grandiflora, Arbutus unedo, Amelanchiers, or Buddleia alternifolia Argentea. To complement the luminous tones of its foliage, pair it in a border with other colourful plants like lavenders, creeping ceanothus, or shrubby mallows.

The variegated cultivars of E. x ebbingei, with evergreen leaves edged or splashed with bright yellow or contrasting green, work well with blue-flowered ceanothus or can serve as a support for climbers like Lonicera nitida ‘Lemon Beauty’.

In a free-flowering hedge, they will shine alongside a Buddleia davidii ‘Masquerade’, or in a defensive hedge with a Pyracantha ‘Soleil d’or’.

For a striking effect, mix different Elaeagnus species together in a hedge, combining evergreen and deciduous varieties at will, and pairing them with shrubs that flower at different times, such as Kerria japonica or Japanese cornel, Viburnum tinus, weigelas, smoke bushes, deutzias, mock oranges, or forsythias.

An example of a coastal hedge combination: Eleagnus ebbingei, Tamarix, Buddleia ‘Silver Anniversary’ and Pittosporum tobira

While all Elaeagnus varieties pair beautifully with each other, they also combine perfectly with Escallonia, Olearia, tamarisks, and Griselinia, as well as Euonymus alatus (Winged Spindle) and Amelanchier spicata. In a windbreak hedge, pair it with photinia.

While deciduous Elaeagnus varieties are stunning in spring, after flowering, they revert to a rather plain appearance—so be sure to surround them well. Buddleia ‘Silver Anniversary’ will be the ideal companion to take over from Elaeagnus commutata Zempin in a silvery-grey harmony, enhanced by old roses, blue-flowered shrubs, or even yellow-flowered cinquefoils.