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Elaeagnus Hedging Plants
Elaeagnus x Ebbingei Hedge / Ebbinge’s silverberry/ Oleaster Hedge
Elaeagnus x Ebbingei Hedging Plants, otherwise known as Oleaster Hedging Plants are a very popular, robust and fast-growing evergreen that make the most fantastic hedge. Elaeagnus hedges are very tolerant of salt winds allowing them to thrive in coastal locations. The leaves are dark green but with silver speckles giving them a more silver coloured appearance in the right light. The undersides of the leaves are fully silver in colour leading to their alternate name ‘Silerberry’. This mix of colours gives a silver shimmering effect when the leaves of an Elaeagnus hedge flutter in the wind. Elaeagnus / Oleaster produce small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers in Autumn and orange fruits in Spring. A hardy and versatile plant, an Elaeagnus hedge with its attractive foliage will provide a great backdrop for planted borders but is also useful as an attractive screen, growing up to 3-4 metres high. For more information about Elaeagnus Hedging plants please scroll further down the page.
Elaeagnus Ebbingei hedging plants, also known as Oleaster hedging and sometimes referred to as Silverberry hedging are one our favourite types of hedging plants. The medium sized leaves are dark green with silver speckles and a silver underside. This contrast of colours gives Elaeagnus Hedges a fantastic silver shimmer when the leaves flutter in the wind. Elaeagnus / Oleaster hedges produce small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers in Autumn and orange fruits in Spring. Though the fruits and flowers are normally less abundant when maintained as a hedge.
Why Plant Elaeagnus / Oleaster as a Hedge?
Elaeagnus hedges are quite fast growing and quick to establish. The silver colouring of an Elaeagnus hedge makes a great contrast to the many greens of a garden. If you live by the coast then Elaeagnus hedges are salt tolerant and make superb a coastal hedge. Elaeagnus are tough, resilient and hardy plants and tolerate most conditions and soil types except waterlogged sites.
Are Elaeagnus / Oleaster Evergreen Hedging Plants?
The Elaeagnus hedge plants that we grow (Elaeagnus Ebbingei) are fully evergreen.
How fast does Elaeagnus / Oleaster Hedging grow?
Elaeagnus hedges will grow at around 30-45cm per year on average and often quicker. On the nursery, we trim the Elaeagnus hedging plants quite hard in the early stages to thicken them up. This does add to the time it takes for the Elaeagnus Hedges to get up to size, but will be worth it in the long run as the hedge will be much fuller and provide a better barrier for wind, noise and privacy.
How Tall will Elaeagnus / Oleaster Hedging Grow?
Elaeagnus Hedges can grow up to 4 metres high and potentially over this if conditions are favourable and the plants are left unchecked. Typically, they tend to grow up to around 3 or 4 metres high when maintained as a hedge. However, a Elaeagnus hedge can be kept much lower than this if required. An Elaeagnus hedge can be maintained from around one metre upwards.
How many Elaeagnus / Oleaster Hedge plants per metre?
The spacing of plants in a Elaeagnus hedge really is dependent on the size of plants that are being planted as well as the time you are prepared to wait for the hedge to grow and also budget restraints. If using our 10 litre potted Elaeagnus hedging plants, then we would recommend planting at 3 plants per metre. We use 3 plants per metre for our Instant Elaeagnus hedge grown in 90 litre troughs. This way the plants are just about touching when planted, so giving them space to grow into, but not too much that you are left with big gaps in the hedge. We give a recommendation of the planting density for each plant size on the website. Our recommendations are based on planting at a density that the hedging plants will touch after 1 full growing season. This is only a guideline and please use more plants to reduce this timescale or less plants per metre if you have time to wait.
We trim our Elaeagnus hedges 2 times a year on the nursery. We generally do this Late Winter/ Early Spring, then once in the Summer. Sometimes, if necessary or we miss the Summer trim we do them again in the Autumn. However when planted in the garden as a hedge Elaeagnus can be trimmed once a year. They will tolerate hard pruning if the hedge has grown wider or taller than desired. Trimming your Elaeagnus hedge more frequently will require less work each time and less trimmings to dispose of.
Can you hard prune a Elaeagnus / Oleaster hedge?
A Elaeagnus hedge will tolerate hard pruning if the hedge has grown too wide or taller than desired. Hard pruning is best carried out in late Winter before the new growth starts to come through. If undertaking a very hard prune, (back to the main stems) then we would recommend to just do one side of the hedge in one season and the other side of the hedge the following season. This will limit the amount of stress imposed on the plants at any one time whilst also leaving some cover on the remaining side retaining some privacy and protection whilst the hard pruned side recovers.
How to trim or cut a Elaeagnus /Oleaster hedge?
An Elaeagnus hedge is easily cut or trimmed using hedge trimmers. However, as Elaeagnus plants have quite large leaves, some of these leaves will be sliced through by the hedge trimmers. These cut Elaeagnus leaves will crisp up and go brown at the edges as they heal. So, on the nursery we simply use hedge trimmers for the main trim and follow up with secateurs to tidy up and remove any shredded leaves.
Feeding a Elaeagnus /Oleaster hedge?
We would recommend at least one annual feed for your Elaeagnus hedge. Slow releasing feeds are generally considered best as they provide a steady release of nutrients over a longer period of time. The best time to feed a Elaeagnus hedge is in the Spring just as the new leaves come through. On the nursery we would follow this up with a late Spring feed and also at least one feed in the summer.
What type of soil and conditions will a Elaeagnus /Oleaster hedge grow in?
Elaeagnus hedges are very versatile and will grow just about anywhere. Elaeagnus hedges will be happy in most reasonably fertile soils provided they are not waterlogged or very wet sites. Elaeagnus hedges will grow in full sun or partial shade, although they will grow quicker the more sun they receive. Elaeagnus make a fantastic coastal hedges as they are tolerant of salt and windy locations. Another plant to consider for coastal locations is Griselinia Littoralis hedging plants.
Are Elaeagnus /Oleaster hedges easy to maintain?
Elaeagnus hedges are relatively easy to maintain. The hedge can be kept looking tidy with a trim once a year. To save time on tidying up after trimming we recommend using a sheet on the ground to catch the cuttings. This can then be rolled up and tipped into a recycling bin for ease of tidying. This is the same process we use on the nursery and we may trim our Elaeagnus hedges up to 3 times a year. Other than trimming its really only an annual feed and ideally a mulch to help retain some moisture and nutrients in our increasingly drier Summers.
Do you grow Instant Elaeagnus /Oleaster Hedges?
We do grow Instant Elaeagnus hedges here on the nursery in 90 Litre troughs. They are usually available in sizes 4 foot, 5 foot, up to 6 foot and above depending on stock levels. Our Elaeagnus instant hedges have 3 plants per every metre of hedge. The root systems of the 3 plants are all knitted together to form a continuous 1 metre strip of hedge. The top part of the hedge will have been trimmed numerous times to create more density and to encourage the plants to knit together as a hedge.
What Elaeagnus /Oleaster hedging plants do you have for sale?
We grow a range of sizes of Elaeagnus hedging plants for sale here on the nursery. We grow potted Elaeagnus hedging plants, mainly in 10 litre pots. For more immediate impact, we also grow our Instant Elaeagnus Hedges in 90 Litre troughs. The instant hedges come in 1 metre lengths but do require 2 strong people to lift them.
Do you grow your own Elaeagnus /Oleaster hedging Plants?
All the Elaeagnus hedging plants that we sell are grown outside here on our nursery in Holmeswood, Lancashire producing robust plants that are quick to establish.
Are Elaeagnus /Oleaster Hedging plants poisonous?
The Elaeagnus plants that we grow and sell for hedging on the nursery have no reported toxicity to humans or animals.
Growing Advice
Evergreen Shrub: Large Dark Green leaves speckled silver with silver undersides.
Features: Fast growing, Salt Tolerant, Coastal Hedge, Flowers, Fruit.
Growth rate: medium 30-45cm (1-1.5 foot) per year
Likes: full sun or partial shade
Suitable for Hedges: 1m – 5m (3 – 16 foot)
Soil Preference: Any reasonably fertile soil, not wet or waterlogged.
Elaeagnus Hedge Planting Distances: Single row. 2-3 plants per metre
Unsuitable for: Very Cold locations or wet soil.
Trimming: Spring through to Autumn
Further Info
Elaeagnus Ebbingei Description
Elaeagnus or Oleaster hedging plants make an excellent choice for a fast-growing evergreen hedge or screen with seasonal interest. Elaeagnus Ebbingei is well-suited for creating dense, low-maintenance hedges due to its tolerance to pruning and its ability to withstand harsh conditions like salt spray, drought, and pollution. It can grow rapidly and reach heights of up to 3 metres or more, and can be shaped easily for privacy or ornamental purposes. Elaeagnus ebbingei also provides shelter for wildlife, attracting birds and pollinators. It is often chosen for its resilience, attractive foliage, and ability to create a strong, dense barrier.
The shrub is Ideal for coastal areas, urban gardens, or any location where a robust, low-maintenance hedge is desired, Elaeagnus ebbingei offers both beauty and functionality.
The Elaeagnus species native to East Asia, specifically to China, Japan, and Korea. It was named after the Dutch botanist Cornelis Ebbinge, who helped introduce the species to Europe. This plant has since become popular worldwide, particularly in gardens and landscapes, due to its attractive foliage, hardiness, and ability to thrive in a range of environmental conditions. This ability to withstand harsh climates and urban pollution has contributed to its widespread use in various countries outside its native range.
Types of Elaeagnus Hedging plants grown and supplied by Hedging UK
On the nursery, we grow Elaeagnus plants in two different way. As individual plants and as a pre grown hedge. The individual plants are grown in 10 Litre pots. These are available depending on stock from 2 foot to 4 foot and in between. For plants over this size and for more immediate impact we also grow them as an Instant hedge in 90L troughs each measuring 1 metre in length. The troughs contain several plants that have been grown and interwoven into an instant hedge. Instant hedges will be available from 4 foot to 6 foot high depending on available nursery stock.
Advantages of an Elaeagnus Ebbingei Hedge
Interesting Silver coloured foliage, different from the many greens usually seen in a garden.
Makes a great coastal plant as tolerant of salt spray and coastal conditions.
Is an evergreen hedging plant with year-round foliage and interest.
Has a moderate growth rate of 30-60cm per year in good conditions.
Relatively easy to prune and generally low maintenance once the plants have reached the height you require.
Dense foliage that is great for screening, privacy, security and good for reducing noise and wind.
Attracts wildlife and birds by providing food and shelter.
Growing conditions and planting Elaeagnus Ebbingei Hedges
Elaeagnus ebbingei thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It will grow more vigorously and produce more flowers the more sun it gets. In more shaded areas, it may not grow as quickly or flower as profusely, but it will still maintain its evergreen foliage.
Elaeagnus prefer a well-drained soil. This shrub prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil with good drainage. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, clay, or loamy soils, as long as they are not waterlogged. Elaeagnus ebbingei is drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for areas where water availability may be limited. Elaeagnus is hardy down to temperatures as low as -15°C when mature. It is also tolerant to salt making it suitable for seaside hedging or windbreaks.
Elaeagnus ebbingei is highly tolerant of wind, making it an excellent choice for exposed areas such as along fences, property lines, or coastal gardens. Its dense growth and tough nature help it act as an effective windbreak.
This shrub is well-suited to urban environments, where pollution and smog can often stress other plants. It is particularly effective in city gardens or along roads where air quality may be poor. It is also tolerant of heavy traffic conditions, making it a good choice for busy areas where other plants might struggle.
When planting any hedge, including an Elaeagnus hedge, you should always research what the best location and growing conditions are for the plant, including soil suitability, preference to sun or shade and which in weather conditions the plants will thrive. Also important to consider is the purpose of your hedge i.e. full screen, or low or tall hedge etc, as this will determine how far apart individual plants should be planted and crucially, how many plants you will need. For more information on plant spacing please refer to our Hedge Plant spacing Guide.
Maintaining an Elaeagnus Hedge
When it comes to maintaining an Elaeagnus hedge. Only the usual maintenance and care is required with this species. Trimming is best carried out in Spring or Autumn. This can be done to restore shape but also to remove and damaged shoots and branches. For more information on trimming and pruning Elaeagnus hedges, please refer to our useful guide.
Elaeagnus Pests, diseases and problems
Elaeagnus are generally pest free but they can be susceptible to fungal leaf spot. Keep an eye out for obvious signs on leaves and remove any affected leaves before it has a chance to spread and become a problem. Elaeagnus sucker is a sap sucking insect that can damage and distort the leaves. This pest is not usually a problem for the plants and doesn’t seem to affect the plants vigour. For further information on Elaeagnus plants please read our blog article on hedges for coastal and seaside gardens
Call Hedging UK Today
Here at Hedging UK we are known for being a friendly, family run business and specialist growers of quality hedging plants. All of our Elaeagnus hedging plants are grown outside on our own nursery in Holmeswood, Lancashire, producing robust plants that are quick to establish. Our hedge plants are available to purchase at wholesale prices across the UK through our mail order service. Our customers include Landscapers, Local Authorities, Garden Centres, Tree Surgeons, Schools and Private customers. Our experience in this market enables us to offer the best quality hedging plants with a price and service to match.
Our nursery is located in Holmeswood, Lancashire in the north west of England and is not open to the general public. Whilst the nursery is predominantly a mail order business, customers are welcome to come and see our range of hedging plants and purchase plants at the nursery, but please do so by appointment only, contact our team today.
