thorny olive

Thorny olive plants should be watered deeply once per week in spring and summer to keep the soil moist. During fall and winter when the plant is dormant, they should only be watered if the soil is dry. To determine whether the soil is dry, stick your finger into the soil about 1-2 inches deep. If the soil is dry, provide the plant with 1-2 inches of water until it drains out the bottom of the container. If the soil is moist, there is no need for additional water.

Thorny olive plants (Elaeagnus pungens) prefer bright, indirect light, and they will tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates. They should receive 5 to 6 hours of sunlight a day, preferably in the morning and early afternoon hours when the sun is less strong and the temperatures are lower. They do not tolerate long periods of direct sunlight, so it’s important to provide them with adequate shade during peak hours of the day in warm climates. Additionally, keep the plant out of direct drafts from open windows.

Thorny olive (Elaeagnus pungens) generally requires minimal pruning, as it is quite slow-growing. However, it can be pruned following the dormant season - typically late winter/early spring – to shape the growth and prevent it from becoming too dense. Generally, no more than 10% of the new growth should be removed at any given time. Pruning can be done manually with hand pruning shears or a small saw, or with hedge trimmers if desired. While removing growth, it's important to avoid cutting into established woody stems, as this can cause severe damage and stress.