elaeagnus angustifolia

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Elaeagnus angustifolia, commonly known as the Russian Olive or Silver Olive, is an exceptional shrub that brings both ornamental charm and practical benefits to your New Zealand garden. Renowned for its silvery foliage, fragrant blooms, and impressive resilience, elaeagnus angustifolia offers a distinctive presence for those seeking drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and wildlife-friendly plants. Whether you’re landscaping a wind-prone section or searching for a striking feature plant, elaeagnus angustifolia is a smart choice for both rural and urban settings.

Lavender 'Hidcote' small shrub with elegant blue flowers and green foliage.

Lavender angustifolia 'Hidcote'

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Lavender 'Hidcote' is a stunning variety that grows as a compact shrub and carries masses of short, violet-purple flower spikes through spring and summer. The foliage is grey-green and complements the darker flowers nicely as it grows to 50 cm tall and the same width. Lavandula 'Hidcote' is commonly used in cottage gardens, included in mixed plantings and borders, planted around outdoor living areas, or maintained in a container. It is also well-suited to mass planting on a bank or using as a groundcover, and in both instances will produce an outstanding display.

Buy Lavender angustifolia 'Hidcote'

From $24.98

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 50 cm

Spread: 50 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock

Elaeagnus ebbingei (Silverberry)

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Elaeagnus Ebbingei is a tough, fast-growing evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand gardens for its dense, silver-green foliage and coastal tolerance. It’s ideal for hedges, privacy screens, and windbreaks, thriving in a variety of soils and conditions including exposed coastal sites.

Buy Elaeagnus ebbingei (Silverberry)

From $28.28

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 3.50 m

Spread: 3.50 m

Flowering time: Autumn

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Elaeagnus, Fraxinus, Hoheria, Ilex Laurus and Lavender, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

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What Makes elaeagnus angustifolia Stand Out?

Elaeagnus angustifolia is prized for its narrow, silvery leaves that shimmer in the sunlight and create a gentle, Mediterranean ambiance. The plant produces small, aromatic yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, which attract pollinators and add seasonal interest. Its ability to thrive in poor soils, saline conditions, and periods of drought makes it one of the most robust shrubs available for New Zealand gardens.

As a fast-growing, deciduous shrub or small tree, elaeagnus angustifolia can reach up to six metres in height, forming a dense, privacy-giving screen or hedge. The silvery foliage pairs beautifully with other Mediterranean-style plants, such as Lavandula Lavance Purple and Lavandula Blue Mountain White, for a sophisticated colour palette in your garden.

Landscaping Uses for elaeagnus angustifolia

Elaeagnus angustifolia serves many purposes beyond aesthetic appeal. It’s ideal for hedging or shelterbelt planting, especially in exposed coastal or rural areas. The shrub’s nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil quality, making it an excellent companion for other plants and enhancing overall garden health. Its dense growth offers shelter to birds and wildlife, while the fruit can attract additional biodiversity.

Plant elaeagnus angustifolia as a specimen shrub, in mixed borders, or paired with evergreens like Elaeagnus Gilt Edge for contrast and texture. Its tough nature also makes it suitable for erosion control and re-vegetation projects on challenging sites.

Care and Maintenance

Elaeagnus angustifolia is a hardy performer once established. It prefers full sun to light shade and well-draining soils but readily tolerates less ideal conditions. Minimal pruning is needed, though a light trim after flowering can help maintain your desired shape. Because it’s naturally resilient, elaeagnus angustifolia rarely suffers from pests or disease.

For those interested in expanding their Elaeagnus collection, the glossy-leaved Elaeagnus Gilt Edge and evergreen Elaeagnus ebbingei (Silverberry) make wonderful companion plants in diverse landscape designs.

Recommended Plant Pairings

Create a garden rich in texture and fragrance by pairing elaeagnus angustifolia with Mediterranean herbs and shrubs. Hardy lavenders, such as Lavender angustifolia 'Hidcote' and Lavandula Lavance Purple, thrive alongside elaeagnus angustifolia. Their purple and white blooms beautifully complement the silvery foliage, while their aromatic qualities promote relaxation and pollinator activity in your landscape.

Incorporate elaeagnus angustifolia into your planting scheme for a garden that’s both resilient and visually striking. Contact us today to bring this versatile shrub home to your New Zealand garden.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.