Elaeagnus
angustifolia, commonly called Russian olive or oleaster is native to Europe and
Asia. It is a small, usually thorny, deciduous tree or large shrub that is
typically grown for its silvery foliage, small fragrant yellow flowers,
olive-like fruit and ease of cultivation. It has been widely planted in North
America as both a windbreak and an ornamental. As a tree, it typically grows
12-20’ tall. Branches and trunk are covered with exfoliating brown bark that is
attractive in winter. Twigs are occasionally thorny. Narrow, willow-like leaves
(to 2” long) are dark green above and silvery beneath. Angustifolia means
narrow-leaved. Fragrant flowers with four lobes appear in clusters of 1-3 in
leaf axils near the base of new shoots in late spring. Flowers are silvery white
outside and yellowish inside. Flowers are followed in fall by an often abundant
crop of berry-like, silver-scaled fruit resembling olives, hence the common
name. Fruit is edible, and is sometimes used for making preserves. Fruit is
also attractive to wildlife.
Easily grown in
average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in
light, sandy loams in full sun. This is a vigorous, fast-growing plant that
tolerates a wide variety of soils including both poor dry soils and wet heavy
clays. Also tolerates wind, summer heat and saline conditions. Garden Uses.
Specimen tree. Screen
or Barrier. Hedge. Accent in shrub border. Hardy in zones 3-7.
Growing
Instructions
The
seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or
winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter
conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year.
1.
Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator
for 3 months.
2.
The seeds like moist soil. Fill a pot with a mixture of half potting soil and half sand or vermiculite.
3.
Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
4.
Water the container.
5.
Put the pot in a warm, sunny area.
6.
Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet. The seeds
germinate in 1 to 2 months.
7.
The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.
Alan (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.
Edward (verified owner) –
Great germination.
Mason (verified owner) –
WOW!! Not one dud in the bunch!! Shortly after planting they started growing ! These are really great packet of seeds!!!
Nicholas (verified owner) –
Good service.
Zohar (verified owner) –
Easy to grow beautiful