Elaeagnus pungens or Thorny olive

Care of the shrub Elaeagnus pungens or Thorny olive

The genus Elaeagnus, family Elaeagnaceae, comprises 100 species of shrubs and trees native to Asia. Some species and hybrids are: Elaeagnus pungens, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Elaeagnus x ebbingei (hybrid), Elaeagnus x reflexa (hybrid), Elaeagnus oxycarpa, Elaeagnus glabra, Elaeagnus commutata.

Common names: Thorny olive, Spiny oleaster, Silverthorn. This species is native to Asia.

They are evergreen shrubs of moderate growth that reach 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height. The decorative coriaceous leaves with a wavy edge are elliptical in shape and can be grayish green or dark green with yellow spots on the upper side and silver on the underside. The white flowers are highly scented but very small and not very decorative. They bloom in autumn. They produce quite decorative red fruits.

They are used to form hedges, in bushy groups (combined with Pittosporum and Rhamnus alaternus), in flowerbeds, as isolated specimens and to cover low walls; they are suitable for growing in large pots. They are ideal for coastal gardens as windbreaks and for urban gardens due to their resistance to pollution.

Elaeagnus pungens can grow in full sun or semi-shade exposures. They resist light and occasional frosts.

The soil can be a mixture of 50% garden substrate with 25% leaf mulch and 25% coarse siliceous sand. The planting is done in spring; plant the specimens at a distance of 50 cm (19.68").

Water regularly, waiting for the substrate to dry; they resist several days of drought. Young plants need more watering.

Fertilize in spring with manure or compost.

Prune in late spring and early fall to remove excessively long shoots and maintain a compact appearance. Prune the branches with green leaves of the variegated species.

They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They propagate by cuttings in summer or by seeds sown in spring.