Elaeagnus

When The Garden Needs A Calm Backdrop For Brighter Flowers, Elaeagnus Provides Soft, Silver-Washed Foliage From Spring To Winter.

Evergreen Shelter In All Weathers

Elaeagnus is one of those shrubs that quietly earns its place by simply being there, reliably, in every season. Its sturdy leaves stand up to wind, traffic and salt-laden air, making it as useful in exposed gardens as it is in sheltered town plots. Through winter it holds the line along paths and boundaries, giving shape and privacy when many other plants have disappeared. For a gardener who wants a backbone they can depend on, Elaeagnus is a reassuringly solid choice.

Evergreen Shelter In All Weathers
Silver-Washed Foliage With Subtle Glow
Surprising Scent And Easy-Care Growth

Elaeagnus at a Glance:

Common name: Oleaster

Latin name: Elaeagnus

Size in UK gardens: Usually 2–3m tall and wide if left to grow, but easily kept lower with light pruning.

Best position: Full sun or light shade in a reasonably open spot; excellent for windy, exposed or coastal gardens.

Soil: Well-drained soil of almost any type, including poorer or chalky ground, once established.

Main interest: Attractive evergreen foliage with silvery undersides, small but powerfully scented autumn flowers and, on some forms, orange or red berries.

Fragrance: Autumn flowers are surprisingly sweet and strong on still days; foliage is usually not scented.

Hardiness: Generally hardy in most UK gardens, including Cambridgeshire and East Anglia, once roots are established.

Care level: Low maintenance once settled in; mainly watering in the first season and an occasional trim to keep in shape.

Sun & Shelter Advice for Elaeagnus:

☀️ Best light: Elaeagnus is happiest in full sun or light, dappled shade. It will still grow in partial shade, but foliage is usually fuller and denser where it gets a decent amount of daylight for most of the day.

☀️ Shelter and walls: This is a tough shrub that copes well with wind, but a little shelter from the very coldest easterly blasts will help new plants settle more quickly. Against a fence or near a house wall it often grows faster and holds its leaves particularly well.

☀️ What to avoid: Try to avoid very dark, deep shade under large trees, or spots where icy winds roar straight across the garden with no break. The plant will usually survive, but growth may be thinner and more open.

☀️ Where to plant: Elaeagnus is ideal along a boundary, as an evergreen backdrop in a mixed border, or as a screening hedge beside a patio or seating area. It also works well near driveways and front gardens where year-round cover and resilience are important.

Soil Requirements for Elaeagnus:

🪏 Preferred soil type: Elaeagnus is remarkably tolerant and will grow in most reasonably well-drained garden soils. It is quite happy in light sandy ground, typical of parts of East Anglia, and also in more ordinary loams, as long as water does not sit around its roots for long periods.

🪏 Soil pH and health: This shrub will usually cope with neutral, slightly acidic and slightly alkaline soils, including those with some chalk. Very thin, starved growth or yellowing between the leaf veins can sometimes hint at nutrient imbalance or very extreme pH, so a light feed and some organic mulch often help.

🪏 Improving tricky spots: If your soil is at the difficult end of things, a little preparation makes a big difference.

• Planting in an improved raised bed with added organic matter and a bit of grit will help on heavier clay, keeping roots better aerated.

• Growing in a large container with a good quality, peat-free compost mixed with some coarse grit offers an excellent option where soil is very poor or shallow.

Elaeagnus Hardiness:

🍃 General hardiness: Once established, Elaeagnus is generally hardy across most of the UK, including Cambridgeshire and the wider East Anglia area. In a normal winter it keeps its evergreen foliage and simply carries on growing again when temperatures rise in spring.

🍃 Cold and foliage damage: Mature plants can usually cope with temperatures down to around -10°C to -15°C without major problems. In an unusually sharp frost, the tips of young shoots or any very soft late-season growth may brown off, but this is usually cosmetic and can be trimmed away in spring.

🍃 In cooler or exposed spots: In very open, windy or colder gardens, it is worth choosing a slightly sheltered spot, perhaps with a fence, hedge or wall at its back. A mulch around the base helps insulate roots, and newly planted shrubs may appreciate a bit of fleece over the top during the harshest nights in their first winter.

Garden Uses for Elaeagnus:

Colour and structure in a mixed border: Elaeagnus brings strong, evergreen structure to a mixed border, with its broad, leathery leaves and softly reflective, silvery undersides. It makes an excellent backdrop for flowering perennials and smaller shrubs, helping brighter flowers and grasses stand out against its calmer, steady foliage.

Near paths, doors and seating areas: The small, autumn flowers are not showy to look at, but their sweet scent can be remarkable on still evenings. Planting Elaeagnus near a path, gate or seating area means you can enjoy that fragrance as you pass, while the evergreen leaves keep entrances and patios looking cared-for all year round.

As a hedge, screen or feature: This shrub is one of the best choices for a tough, informal hedge or screen, especially where wind and traffic are issues. Clipped lightly once or twice a year, it forms a dense, sheltering barrier; left more loosely pruned, it makes a bold feature shrub at the back of a border or along a boundary.

In pots or special corners: Given a large enough container, Elaeagnus can be grown in a pot to provide evergreen height on a patio or in a courtyard garden. It suits small front gardens where soil is limited, bringing privacy and a sense of enclosure when placed beside a path, on a driveway, or near a seating corner.

Wildlife Benefits of Elaeagnus:

🐝 Scented autumn flowers: Although the flowers are small and often tucked among the leaves, they can be rich in nectar and are visited by late-flying bees and other insects in autumn. This offers a useful food source when many summer plants have finished, quietly supporting pollinators as the season winds down.

🐦‍⬛ Shelter and nesting cover: The dense, evergreen foliage provides excellent cover for small garden birds. Sparrows, robins and other species may use Elaeagnus as a refuge from predators and bad weather, and in more established hedges, it can contribute to a cosy nesting environment.

🐞 Insects in the thicket: The tangle of stems and evergreen leaves creates a valuable little habitat for a range of insects and other small creatures. These in turn provide food for birds and other wildlife, helping the whole garden feel more alive and balanced, even though Elaeagnus itself is not a classic “wildlife shrub”.

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Grown Locally By Us.

Rather than travelling halfway across Europe, our mimosa trees are grown on site by the Simpson’s team. They’re toughened to local conditions, properly potted, and ready to get growing the moment you plant them.

Elaeagnus Care at a Glance:

Planting time: As a container-grown shrub, Elaeagnus can be planted in most months when the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Spring and autumn are usually the kindest times for new roots to settle in.

Watering: Water regularly through the first growing season, especially in dry spells, so the root system can spread into the surrounding soil. Once established, it usually only needs extra water in prolonged drought.

Feeding: A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring, or a mulch of garden compost around the base, will help keep growth steady and foliage healthy.

Pruning: It generally needs just one or two light trims a year to maintain its shape, ideally after the main flush of spring growth and again in late summer if required.

Winter: In most UK gardens Elaeagnus keeps its leaves right through winter. Young plants may appreciate a mulch around the base and a little shelter from very sharp winds in their first year.

How to Plant a Elaeagnus:

1. Planting time: Plant when the soil is workable and not frozen or waterlogged, with spring and autumn usually giving the quickest establishment. Container-grown Elaeagnus can also go in during milder spells at other times of year if you can water it reliably.

2. Prepare the hole: Dig a planting hole roughly twice as wide as the pot and only just a little deeper. This gives the new roots soft soil to grow into without burying the stem too deeply.

3. Loosen the soil: Break up the soil in the base and sides of the hole with a fork. This helps roots move outwards rather than sitting in a smooth-sided “bowl”.

4. Improve poor or heavy soil: On very sandy or heavy clay soils, mix in some well-rotted compost and, on clay, a handful or two of horticultural grit. This improves structure, drainage and moisture balance around the rootball.

5. Set the plant in place: Gently slide the plant from its pot, keeping the rootball intact. Place it in the hole so the top of the compost sits at the same level as the surrounding soil, not buried below it.

6. Backfill and firm: Refill the hole with the improved soil, working it gently around the roots and pressing it down lightly with your hands or boot. Aim to remove large air pockets without compacting the soil hard.

7. Support if required: Most Elaeagnus shrubs do not need staking, but taller plants in windy spots may benefit from a short, sturdy stake and soft tie while they establish. Check and adjust ties as the plant grows.

8. Water and mulch: Water thoroughly after planting so the soil settles in around the roots. Finish with a light mulch of compost or bark around, but not touching, the stem to help conserve moisture and discourage weeds.

Watering & Feeding Elaeagnus:

💧 Establishing young plants: In the first growing season, water deeply once or twice a week in dry weather, rather than giving a quick sprinkle each day. Check the soil with your fingers and water when the top few centimetres start to feel dry.

💧 Once established: Mature Elaeagnus plants are fairly drought-tolerant and usually only need extra water in long dry spells, especially on very light soils. In typical Cambridgeshire conditions, natural rainfall is often enough outside of heatwaves.

💧 Deep vs light watering: When you do water, aim for a good soak that penetrates down to the root zone, rather than frequent light wetting of the surface. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downwards, making the plant more resilient.

💧 Feeding routine: A light sprinkle of a balanced granular fertiliser in early spring, followed by a compost mulch, is usually ample. This supports leafy growth and helps maintain good colour without making the plant overly soft.

💧 Avoid over-feeding: Excessive fertiliser, especially high-nitrogen feeds, can lead to lush, sappy growth that is more prone to wind or frost damage. It is better to feed modestly and regularly than to give very heavy doses.

🪴 Plants in pots: Container-grown Elaeagnus will dry out more quickly and appreciate more frequent checks in warm weather. Water when the top of the compost feels dry and use a slow-release fertiliser or occasional liquid feed through the growing season, ensuring pots drain freely.

Pruning Advice for Elaeagnus:

✂️ Natural habit: Elaeagnus naturally forms a broad, bushy shrub with dense, evergreen foliage. In many gardens it needs only light shaping to stop it becoming too large or to keep a hedge line neat and even.

✂️ Best time to prune: The main trim is usually best done in late spring or early summer, once the worst frosts have passed and new growth is underway. A further light tidy in late summer can help keep hedges looking sharp.

✂️ What to remove: Start by cutting out any dead, damaged or crossing branches back to healthy wood. This improves air flow through the plant and keeps the framework strong and tidy.

✂️ Keeping it young and tidy: Every few years, you can rejuvenate the shrub by thinning out a small number of the oldest, thickest stems near the base. This encourages fresh shoots from lower down, keeping growth dense and youthful.

Winter Protection Tips for Elaeagnus:

❄️ Typical winters: In a normal Cambridgeshire-style winter, established Elaeagnus plants generally come through without any special protection. Their evergreen leaves and strong framework are well adapted to damp, cool conditions and moderate frosts.

❄️ Colder or exposed spots: In very open sites or particularly cold gardens, a winter mulch around the base will help protect roots. Young plants, especially in their first winter, may benefit from a length of fleece wrapped loosely over the top during the harshest cold snaps.

🪴 Plants in pots:

• Move containers closer to the house or into a more sheltered corner during very hard frosts, where they’ll be slightly warmer and less exposed to wind.

• Wrap the pot with bubble wrap or hessian if prolonged cold is forecast, to help protect the rootball.

• Check that drainage holes remain clear so pots do not sit in cold, waterlogged compost over winter.

Potential Elaeagnus Pests & Diseases:

🌱 General health: Elaeagnus is usually a very robust shrub with few serious problems in UK gardens. Given reasonable soil and light, it tends to remain healthy and long-lived with minimal intervention.

🪲 Common minor pests: Aphids, scale insects or leaf-mining pests may occasionally appear, particularly on soft new growth. These are often kept in check by natural predators; if needed, a gentle wash with soapy water or a suitable garden insect spray can help.

🍂 Disease risks: Most disease issues arise from poor drainage or overcrowding. Prolonged waterlogging can increase the risk of root troubles, and very still, damp air may encourage leaf spots. Ensuring decent spacing, drainage and general plant vigour goes a long way to preventing problems.

🍂 Normal vs worrying changes: A little leaf drop, especially of older leaves inside the plant or after a very dry or very cold spell, is usually nothing to worry about. Widespread yellowing, sudden collapse or extensive dieback may signal a deeper issue with roots or soil, and is a cue to check drainage and watering.

🌱 Simple prevention: Good planting preparation, sensible watering and avoiding heavy, repeated pruning into the same area all help keep Elaeagnus thriving. Give each plant enough space to develop a decent framework and keep the base free of long-term weeds to reduce competition.

Varieties We Usually Stock

Availability is always changing, so please check with us if you have a particular variety in mind.

Acer campestre

Acer campestre 'Elsrijk'

Acer campestre 'Queen Elizabeth'

Acer campestre 'Carnival'

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Elaeagnus can be grown successfully in a large container, which is particularly useful in small courtyards, on patios or where soil conditions are difficult. Choose a generous pot with good drainage holes and fill it with a quality, peat-free compost mixed with some coarse grit. Water regularly in warmer months and feed with a slow-release fertiliser or occasional liquid feed. Over time, you may need to pot it on or refresh the compost to keep the plant vigorous, and a little pruning will help maintain a manageable size.

In typical UK conditions, an Elaeagnus shrub will often reach 2–3m in height and a similar spread over time if left to its own devices. Growth is usually fairly quick once the plant is established, so it can screen a boundary within a few seasons. However, it responds well to pruning, so you can easily keep it lower and narrower by trimming once or twice a year. For many gardens, managing it to around 1.8m high and 1–1.5m deep gives a good balance of cover and space.

Yes, Elaeagnus can be grown successfully in a large container, which is particularly useful in small courtyards, on patios or where soil conditions are difficult. Choose a generous pot with good drainage holes and fill it with a quality, peat-free compost mixed with some coarse grit. Water regularly in warmer months and feed with a slow-release fertiliser or occasional liquid feed. Over time, you may need to pot it on or refresh the compost to keep the plant vigorous, and a little pruning will help maintain a manageable size.

Elaeagnus is quite adaptable and will grow in full sun or partial shade. For the densest foliage and the best overall shape, a position with good light for much of the day is ideal. In lighter shade, such as the dappled shadow of nearby trees or buildings, it will usually still perform well, though growth may be slightly looser. Deep, permanent shade is best avoided, as it can lead to thin, stretched-out growth and reduced vigour.

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Elaeagnus

When The Garden Needs A Calm Backdrop For Brighter Flowers, Elaeagnus Provides Soft, Silver-Washed Foliage From Spring To Winter.

Evergreen Shelter In All Weathers

Elaeagnus at a Glance:

Sun & Shelter Advice for Elaeagnus:

Soil Requirements for Elaeagnus:

Elaeagnus Hardiness:

Garden Uses for Elaeagnus:

Wildlife Benefits of Elaeagnus:

Grown Locally By Us.

Elaeagnus Care at a Glance:

How to Plant a Elaeagnus:

Watering & Feeding Elaeagnus:

Pruning Advice for Elaeagnus:

Winter Protection Tips for Elaeagnus:

Potential Elaeagnus Pests & Diseases:

Varieties We Usually Stock

Acer campestre

Acer campestre 'Elsrijk'

Acer campestre 'Queen Elizabeth'

Acer campestre 'Carnival'

Frequently Asked Questions

Since 1987

Tree Specialists

UK-Grown

Family-Owned

Elaeagnus

When The Garden Needs A Calm Backdrop For Brighter Flowers, Elaeagnus Provides Soft, Silver-Washed Foliage From Spring To Winter.

Evergreen Shelter In All Weathers

Elaeagnus at a Glance:

Grown Locally By Us.

Elaeagnus Care at a Glance:

Varieties We Usually Stock

Acer campestre

Acer campestre 'Elsrijk'

Acer campestre 'Queen Elizabeth'

Acer campestre 'Carnival'

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow Elaeagnus in a pot?

How big does Elaeagnus get in a UK garden?

Can I grow Elaeagnus in a pot?

Does Elaeagnus need full sun, or will it grow in some shade?

Since 1987

Tree Specialists

UK-Grown

Family-Owned