Russian Olive (elaeagnus angustifolia)
40-60cm
£2.40
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Russian Olive (elaeagnus angustifolia)
£2.40
Extremely hardy, fast-growing deciduous shrub/small tree (to ~3–7 m) with attractive silvery foliage, fragrant honey-scented flowers (attractive to bees) in early summer, and edible silvery-orange fruits (sweet when fully ripe; also valued by birds).
Nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil fertility. Excellent tolerance of drought, poor/sandy/clay soils, salt, wind, and coastal exposure; useful for hedging, windbreaks, screening, or tough sites. Hardy throughout the UK.
Planting advice
- Timing: Plant while dormant, typically November to March (before bud burst), as soon as possible after delivery. Heel in temporarily if delayed.
- Site: Full sun preferred; tolerates exposed, coastal, dry, or poor soils (well-drained preferred but adaptable).
- Preparation: Dig a hole wide enough for roots to spread naturally (not too deep—plant at the original soil mark/nursery line). Avoid burying the stem deeper.
- Planting: Spread roots outward, backfill with the excavated soil, firm gently to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly.
- Spacing: 35–75 cm for hedging; wider for specimens.
- Aftercare: Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; water during dry spells in the first year. Stake if exposed. Tolerates hard pruning once established. No special fertiliser required due to nitrogen-fixing ability