Elaeagnus submacrophylla

How to grow Elaeagnus submacrophylla in NZ

Grow Elaeagnus submacrophylla in full sun to partial shade with free draining soil. It adapts to a wide range of soil types and performs particularly well in coastal and exposed sites. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system, then reduce watering as the plant matures. Avoid permanently waterlogged ground. Space plants according to their intended use, with closer planting for hedges and wider spacing for individual shrubs. Elaeagnus submacrophylla responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a dense formal hedge or allowed to develop into a broader informal screen.

Elaeagnus submacrophylla care tips

Elaeagnus submacrophylla is easy to care for once established. Water during prolonged dry periods in the first growing season, then rely mainly on natural rainfall unless conditions are unusually dry. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring if stronger growth is required. Prune after major growth flushes to maintain the desired shape, encourage dense branching, and control overall size. Remove damaged or poorly positioned stems as needed. A layer of mulch around the root zone can help conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch clear of the main stems to reduce the risk of moisture related problems.

Elaeagnus submacrophylla size, spacing, and growth rate

Elaeagnus submacrophylla can grow to around 2 to 4 m tall and 2 to 3 m wide if left untrimmed, forming a dense evergreen shrub. Space plants around 1 to 1.5 m apart for hedging, or 2 m or more apart when growing them as individual specimens. Growth is moderate to fast, especially in fertile soil with adequate moisture. Regular pruning can easily control height and width while encouraging thicker branching. Full sun generally produces the densest growth, although plants also perform well in partial shade and remain useful for screening throughout the year.

Landscaping uses for Elaeagnus submacrophylla

Elaeagnus submacrophylla is ideal for hedging, screening, shelter planting, coastal gardens, banks, boundary planting, and mixed shrub borders. Its dense evergreen foliage provides useful privacy and wind protection throughout the year, while the silvery leaf undersides add subtle colour and texture. Plant closely for a clipped hedge or allow more space for a softer informal screen. Elaeagnus submacrophylla is particularly useful in exposed landscapes because it tolerates wind and coastal conditions well, making it a practical choice for low maintenance gardens that need reliable structure, coverage, and year round foliage.

Why buy Elaeagnus submacrophylla from The Plant Company?

The Plant Company is NZ's most trusted plant nursery, supplying quality plants for gardens throughout New Zealand. Our Elaeagnus submacrophylla plants are carefully selected for health, form, and strong growing performance. Strict quality standards and careful packing help ensure your order arrives in excellent condition and ready to establish. When you buy from The Plant Company, you can order online with confidence and benefit from practical growing advice, fast delivery, and free shipping on qualifying orders over $150.