How to grow elaeagnus

Elaeagnus are also known by the common names thorny olive, spiny oleaster and silverthorn. They're native to Asia.

Elaeagnus make good structural plants, particularly the evergreen varieties, and they work well as hedging. But one of their biggest selling points is that they're salt tolerant, making them a reliable choice for coastal gardens.

How to grow elaeagnus

Grow elaeagnus in well-drained soil, in full sun. Cut back after flowering and mulch annually, in autumn.

Where to grow elaeagnus

Elaeagnus grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. They're tough plants and can cope with a range of soil types, including dry soil. They work well as a hedge or shrub, in front of which you can grow more colourful plants. Or plant one near a bench or seating area so you can appreciate its fragrant blooms.

How to plant elaeagnus

Plant elaeagnus in autumn if buying bare-root plants or at any time if pot grown. Ensure the plant sits in the soil at the same depth it was previously – look for a soil 'tide mark' on its stem. Firm the soil around the roots and water thoroughly.

• How to plant shrubs
• How to plant a bare-root shrub

How to propagate elaeagnus

Propagate elaeagnus by taking semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Semi-ripe cuttings are made using the current year’s stems, when they are woody at the base and soft at the tip. Cut them down to a around 5cm and remove the lower leaves, then push them into a pot of gritty, yet moist compost. Cover the pot with clear polythene or place it in a propagator to maintain humidity levels. Pot on each young plant as soon as you spot signs of growth.

Growing elaeagnus: problem solving

Elaeagnus is generally pest free but can be affected by coral spot or fungal leaf spot. However, look out for the sap-sucking elaeagnus sucker that will leave sooty mould on the leaves – try to pick off the affected leaves before it becomes a problem.

How to care for elaeagnus

Elaeagnus are relatively easy to care for and don't need regular pruning. However, to maintain a particular shape, cut your elaeagnus back after flowering, using shears or secateurs. Mulch annually with compost.

Elaeagnus varieties to try

Elaeagnus ‘Quicksilver’ – a large, deciduous shrub with silvery leaves. It flowers in the summer, but these are hard to spot, although they have a strong, distinctive sweet fragrance.

• Buy Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' from Crocus

Elaeagnus pungens ‘Maculata’ – this large, evergreen cultivar has golden leaves with large, irregular green margins. It makes a good hedge or screening plant and the foliage looks good for winter floral arrangements.

• Buy Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata' from Jackson Nurseries

Elaeagnus x ebbingei ‘Gilt Edge’ – an evergreen cultivar with attractive green and gold foliage. Much later flowering, the tiny, intensely scented flowers appear in October, followed by red berries. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

• Buy Elaeagnus 'Gilt Edge' from Thompson & Morgan

Elaeagnus umbellata – this is a large deciduous variety with silvery foliage and small, fragrant flowers in late spring, followed by red fruits.

• Buy Elaeagnus umbellata from Burncoose