Oleaster (Elaeagnus macrophylla) is a vigorous, large evergreen shrub native to Korea and Japan that brings year-round architectural interest to any garden. Growing 8 to 12 feet tall and equally wide, it earned its common name for the silvery-scaled foliage that catches light beautifully, especially on new growth. In fall, delicate white flowers bloom in clusters throughout October and November, releasing a fragrance that fills the garden. Hardy in zones 7 through 9, this shrub tolerates poor soils, drought, and shade once established, making it remarkably adaptable to challenging growing conditions.
Partial Sun
Moderate
7-9
144in H x 144in W
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Low
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Young branchlets shimmer with silvery-white scales that age to dark green while retaining a silvery reverse, creating dynamic color throughout the season. The October-November bloom is subtle but fragrant, arriving when many gardens are fading. This vigorous shrub thrives in poor, infertile soils and handles drought effortlessly once established, yet it also tolerates partial shade and adapts to a wide range of soil types, making it one of the most easygoing large shrubs for difficult sites.
Oleaster serves primarily as a structural hedge plant and as a naturalized shrub for large-scale landscape work. Its evergreen, spreading form and vigorous growth make it valuable for screening, windbreaks, and establishing backbone structure in mixed plantings. The showy autumn flowers and fragrance add seasonal interest beyond its foliage value.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Oleaster is typically propagated from cuttings rather than seed. Plant rooted cuttings or nursery stock in spring after the last frost date, spacing plants 8 to 12 feet apart if establishing a hedge or naturalized planting. Ensure the planting hole is in well-drained soil; backfill with the native soil mixed lightly with compost if the existing soil is particularly poor.
Pruning is optional but can be used to maintain shape or control spread in confined spaces. This vigorous, fast-growing shrub responds well to cutting back and will regenerate vigorously. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges, or shape lightly after flowering if desired. If planted in areas where growth needs to be restrained, prune annually to maintain desired size.
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“Elaeagnus macrophylla originates from the mountainous regions of Korea and Japan, where it has long been valued for its hardiness and adaptation to varied landscapes. The species entered Western cultivation through the botanical exploration of East Asia in the nineteenth century, appreciated by gardeners seeking reliable, large-scale evergreen structure without the fussiness of more temperamental specimens. Its vigor and tolerance for poor conditions eventually made it a standard choice in both ornamental and naturalized plantings across temperate regions.”