oleaster
Elaeagnus ebbingei
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation,Division
Hardiness Zone:
7 - 9
Flowers:
Creamy white Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Fruits:
red,yellow,orange Fruits Ready In
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
silver,green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Oleaster (Elaeagnus ebbingei) should be watered whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. It's typically best to water the plant well and thoroughly, then wait until the soil starts to dry out before watering again. A typical watering schedule should be every 5-7 days in the summer and every 10-14 days in the winter. Make sure to water the root zone area thoroughly to ensure moisture absorbs deep into the soil.
sunlight
The oleaster plant species requires full sun to partial shade to thrive and produce their edible fruits. In the warmest months of the year (typically May-August) the oleaster should be in full sun 8-10 hours per day. During the spring and fall seasons, 4-6 hours of sun per day should suffice. In very hot climates, some light shade may be needed, especially during mid-afternoon when temperatures are typically the highest. The oleaster is relatively drought tolerant so if rainfall is not common, then it should be watered deeply once a week to keep the soil moist and the plant vibrant.
pruning
Oleaster should be pruned in late winter or early spring each year. Light pruning is best, removing only small twigs and branches or shaping large branches. Never remove more than 30% of the plant at once. Even with light pruning, be careful to not to disrupt the plant's natural form or create uneven branches. If the plant is highly overgrown, it can be pruned more aggressively. However, if aggressive pruning is necessary it should be performed gradually over several years.
