Elaeagnus (Elaeagnus x ebbingei) is one of the toughest evergreen hedges you can plant — and one of the most underrated. Its leathery leaves are deep green on top with a distinctive silvery underside that shimmers when the wind moves through the hedge, and in autumn it quietly produces small cream flowers with a perfume that carries clean across a garden, at a time of year when almost nothing else is scenting the air.
Where Elaeagnus really earns its keep is difficult sites. It’s outstanding by the coast, shrugging off salt-laden winds that scorch most other evergreens, and it copes with poor soils, drought and exposure that would check laurel or beech. Growing at 30–60cm a year, it forms a dense privacy screen quickly, and one trim a year keeps it neat.
Every plant below was grown on at our nursery in Whitestake, hardened off outdoors in North West weather. Pot grown stock can be planted at any time of year — use the calculator below to work out exactly how many you need for your run.
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PLANTING DISTANCE
Plant Elaeagnus at 3 per metre for a hedge that knits together within two to three seasons, or 2 per metre for larger plants if you can wait a little longer. Use the calculator below and we'll work out the exact number and cost for your run.
WHY BUY ELAEAGNUS FROM NEWGATE?
We grow Elaeagnus because it solves problems other hedging can't — windy plots, coastal gardens, thin hungry soils. If you're not sure it's the right choice for your site, send us a photo of the run and we'll give you an honest recommendation, free. Order online for UK-wide delivery quoted at checkout, or click and collect seven days a week. Call 01772 612336.
Around 30–60cm a year once established — quick enough to form a solid 2m evergreen screen within three to four seasons from modest-sized plants, with just one trim a year to keep it in shape.
It's one of the very best. Elaeagnus tolerates salt spray and strong winds that scorch most evergreens, which is why you'll see it thriving in seafront gardens where laurel and conifers struggle. It's equally useful on exposed inland plots.
3 plants per metre for a fast, dense hedge, or 2 per metre for larger plants if you're happy to wait an extra season. Our hedge calculator works out the exact number for your run.
Yes — Elaeagnus x ebbingei holds its leaves year-round in the UK. In an exceptionally hard winter it can shed some foliage, but it flushes back reliably in spring.
Pot-grown Elaeagnus can be planted at any time of year as long as the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged. Spring and autumn are ideal, giving roots time to establish before the extremes of summer or winter.
Elaeagnus can occasionally suffer sudden dieback of individual branches — a known quirk of the plant rather than a sign the whole hedge is failing. Prune affected branches back to healthy wood, feed and water the plant, and it will normally fill the gap. If you're local, bring a photo or a cutting in and we'll take a look.
