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Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing
Position in border:
Back, middle

Soil

Succeeds on poor soil:
Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

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

Elaeagnus parviflora is a vigorous, deciduous shrub or small tree, bearing a profusion of sweet smelling cream-coloured flowers, from April to May. After the blooms have faded, edible berries are produced that ripen to red as they mature. Like other oleasters, the deciduous leaves of Elaeagnus parviflora are covered in small scales, giving them a silvery appearance, particularly when young.

Elaeagnus parviflora grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, though it will tolerate a wide range of soils. It's also a great plant for growing in coastal sites.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Fruitsyesyesyesyesyes
Take cuttingsyesyesyes
Pruneyesyes
Collect seedsyesyesyes

Elaeagnus and wildlife

Elaeagnus is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Elaeagnus poisonous?

Elaeagnus has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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