Olijfwilg

Elaeagnus × ebbingei

Engels: Ebbing's silverberry

shrubElaeagnaceaeWintergroen

Olijfwilg (Elaeagnus × ebbingei) is a evergreen shrub from the Elaeagnaceae family that grows up to 400cm tall. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires low maintenance. Blooms in autumn with white flowers and attracts bees and birds.

Hoogte

200–400 cm

Breedte

200–400 cm

Zonligging

full sun, partial shade

Waterbehoefte

low water needs

Grondsoort

sandy soil, loam, clay soil, chalky soil

Onderhoud

low maintenance

Bloeitijd

autumn

Bloemkleuren

white

Ecologische waarde

Trekt bijen aan

Trekt vogels aan

Verzorgingskalender

Taak	Jan	Feb	Mrt	Apr	Mei	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Okt	Nov	Dec
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Care tips

Planting

Ebbing's silverberry thrives in full sun or partial shade and tolerates almost any soil type, from sandy and chalky ground to loam and clay, making it a versatile choice for most gardens. It prefers well-drained soil but copes admirably with dry conditions once established. Plant container-grown specimens in March, April, or from September through November, avoiding frozen or waterlogged ground. Before planting, dig a hole roughly twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Break up compacted soil at the base and sides of the hole to encourage roots to spread. If your soil is heavy clay, fork in some grit or coarse sand to improve drainage. For hedging, space plants 100 cm apart; for a single specimen or informal screen, allow at least 200 cm between plants to accommodate the mature spread of 200–400 cm. Remove the plant from its pot and gently tease out any circling roots. Position the root ball so the top sits level with the surrounding soil—planting too deep can lead to stem rot. Backfill with the excavated soil, firming gently with your heel as you go to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting, even if the soil feels moist, to settle the roots. Apply a 5–7 cm layer of organic mulch such as bark chips or well-rotted compost around the base, keeping it clear of the stem itself. This conserves moisture and suppresses weeds while the plant establishes. Water regularly during the first growing season, especially in dry spells, but once established Ebbing's silverberry requires very little supplementary watering thanks to its low water needs.

Pruning

Ebbing's silverberry is naturally dense and bushy, requiring minimal pruning to maintain a good shape. The main pruning window is April, after the risk of hard frost has passed, or August after the spring growth has matured. Avoid pruning in winter, as frost can damage freshly cut stems, and steer clear of late summer or autumn cuts that might stimulate soft growth vulnerable to cold. For informal hedges or screens, prune lightly in April to tidy the outline and remove any wayward shoots. Use sharp bypass secateurs for stems up to pencil thickness and loppers or a pruning saw for anything thicker. Ebbing's silverberry responds well to trimming and will quickly produce new growth from cut stems. If you're maintaining a formal hedge, a second trim in August keeps it neat through autumn and winter. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood as soon as you spot it, cutting back to healthy tissue just above an outward-facing bud or side shoot. If the shrub becomes congested or overgrown, thin out up to one-third of the oldest stems at the base in April to improve air circulation and encourage vigorous new growth. This also helps maintain the plant's naturally arching habit. Ebbing's silverberry flowers on the current season's wood in autumn, producing small, fragrant white blooms. Pruning in April or August won't sacrifice flowering, as the plant has ample time to produce flowering shoots. Avoid heavy shearing if you want to enjoy the scented flowers and subsequent silvery fruits, which are a bonus feature in winter.

Maintenance

Once established, Ebbing's silverberry is remarkably undemanding. Its low water requirement means you'll rarely need to irrigate except during prolonged summer drought in the first year or two. Mature plants are drought-tolerant and cope well with dry spells, though a deep soak every few weeks in very hot weather helps maintain lush foliage. Feed in March or April with a general-purpose granular fertiliser such as Growmore or blood, fish, and bone, scattering a handful around the base of each plant and lightly forking it into the soil surface. Ebbing's silverberry is not a heavy feeder, so a single spring application is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds later in the season, which can promote soft growth vulnerable to frost. This evergreen shrub is fully hardy in zones 6–9 and requires no special winter protection in temperate Europe. The silvery, olive-like foliage remains attractive year-round, providing structure and interest even in the depths of winter. Mulch around the base each spring with organic matter to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and gradually improve soil fertility. Ebbing's silverberry is largely pest- and disease-free, one of its great virtues as a low-maintenance shrub. Occasionally you may see leaf spot or minor aphid infestations on young growth in spring, but these rarely warrant intervention. Good air circulation through occasional thinning helps prevent fungal issues in damp conditions. Check the plant periodically for dead or damaged stems and remove them promptly. The dense, twiggy growth can accumulate fallen leaves and debris, so a quick tidy in late winter keeps the base healthy and reduces hiding places for slugs and snails.