Elaeagnus Compacta Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Compacta'
ABOUT
Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Compacta', commonly known as oleaster 'Compacta', is a decorative plant known for its dense and bushy appearance. This shrub features a variety of leaf shades, with foliage that is typically green at the heart, often rimmed with gold or creamy-yellow edges. The leaves are oval to elongated and exhibit a leathery texture. They may possess a slightly wavy or undulated margin that adds texture to the plant's overall appearance. The oleaster 'Compacta' is adorned with small, often inconspicuous, flowers. These blooms range in color from cream to pale yellow and might emit a delicate fragrance. As for the fruit, it produces small, berry-like drupes. Their color varies from silvery to a reddish-orange tint, and they carry a speckled or dotted pattern on their surface. These fruits are attractive to birds and wildlife, which find them a valuable food source. This shrub is evergreen, meaning it maintains its foliage throughout the year, providing long-lasting visual interest. The combination of its lush, variegated leaves, subtle flowers, and ornamental fruit contributes to its wide use in gardens as a versatile and attractive plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Elaeagnaceae.
Synonyms
Compact Elaeagnus, Compact Oleaster, Dwarf Ebbing's Silverberry, Compact Ebbing's Silverberry.
Common names
Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Compacta'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as Elaeagnus, is not widely recognized as being poisonous to humans. However, information specifically about the hybrid Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Compacta' is limited. As with many plants, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting any part of this plant as a precautionary measure, since the full spectrum of its potential effects may not be well-documented. If a person were to ingest parts of plants that are not typically considered edible, they might experience gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or vomiting as non-specific reactions to consuming non-food items; however, these symptoms would be typical of non-toxic plant reactions rather than specific to the potential toxicity of Elaeagnus.
To pets
Like humans, pets may not experience significant toxicity from the Elaeagnus plant, but specific information on the hybrid Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Compacta' and its effects on pets is not widely available. Generally, it is recommended to prevent pets from ingesting plants not meant for consumption as they can cause stomach upset or other non-specific symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. However, without clear evidence of toxicity, the Elaeagnus plant is not currently listed as a known toxic plant to pets. It is always prudent to err on the side of caution and keep pets away from plants that are not part of their normal diet to prevent any potential adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape enhancement: Elaeagnus 'Compacta' provides visual interest in the garden with its dense foliage and compact growth habit.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering and can survive in dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low maintenance: It does not require frequent pruning and can thrive without much attention, which is perfect for gardeners looking for low-care plants.
- Salt tolerance: This plant can tolerate salt spray, making it a good choice for coastal gardens and landscapes.
- Wind resistance: The sturdy structure of Elaeagnus 'Compacta' allows it to endure high winds, which is beneficial for gardens in windy locations.
- Privacy screen: Its dense growth pattern makes it an excellent choice for creating private spaces or hiding unsightly views.
- Erosion control: The root system helps stabilize the soil, making it useful for planting on slopes to prevent erosion.
- Wildlife attraction: It can provide shelter and sometimes food for birds and other wildlife, enhancing the biodiversity of the garden.
- Year-round interest: The evergreen leaves of Elaeagnus 'Compacta' provide color and texture in the garden throughout the year.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of landscape settings, including borders, foundation plantings, and as a standalone specimen.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Erosion control: Elaeagnus 'Compacta' has a dense root system that helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
- Privacy screening: Its compact and evergreen nature makes it suitable for creating living privacy screens or hedges in gardens and landscapes.
- Topiary: Because of its dense foliage and growth habit, it can be pruned into various formal shapes for topiary art in ornamental gardens.
- Windbreaks: This plant can be used in coastal or windy areas to create a protective barrier against the wind, reducing its force and protecting more delicate plants.
- Bonsai: With careful pruning and training, Elaeagnus 'Compacta' can be grown as a bonsai plant, offering a unique and artistic display for enthusiasts.
- Border edging: The plant can be used to define borders and edges of pathways, driveways, or flower beds due to its neatly compact growth.
- Noise reduction: A thick hedge of Elaeagnus 'Compacta' can help dampen noise pollution from streets or neighbors when planted along property lines.
- Supporting wildlife: The shrub produces small, fragrant flowers and later berries, which can attract and support a variety of birds and pollinators in the garden.
- Urban landscaping: Its ability to tolerate pollution makes it suitable for urban environments, where it can be planted in street medians or public spaces.
- Seasonal interest: Aside from its practical uses, Elaeagnus 'Compacta' adds interest to the garden due to its silver-toned foliage in the summer, which provides a subtle contrast to green-dominant landscapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Oleaster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Oleaster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Compacta', commonly known as the shrubby olive or small-leaved oleaster, often symbolizes resilience due to its ability to thrive in challenging environments and poor soils.
- Versatility: This plant's adaptability to a range of conditions—from seaside landscapes to urban areas—makes it a symbol of versatility and flexibility in life.
- Protection: With its dense foliage, the shrubby olive can be seen as offering protection and shelter, representing safety and a haven in which one can thrive.
- Growth: As it can grow fairly quickly once established, the shrubby olive may represent growth and the potential for personal development or expansion in one's life.
WaterThe Oleaster 'Compacta', which is a drought-resistant shrub, should be watered deeply but infrequently, typically every week or two, depending on weather conditions. During the growing season, ensure the plant receives about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per session for young shrubs, increasing the amount as the plant matures and its root system grows. During cooler months or periods of rainfall, reduce watering frequency. Always allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions to prevent waterlogging. It's crucial that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage a strong, deep root system.
LightThe Oleaster 'Compacta' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is best positioned in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sun each day, though it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to a less dense habit and reduced flowering.
TemperatureThe Oleaster 'Compacta' is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures but performs best when the thermometer reads between 50°F and 80°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 10°F and can handle heat up to about 100°F, making it suitable for many tempered climates. Always avoid sudden temperature changes and protect the plant from extreme cold winds.
PruningPruning the Oleaster 'Compacta' is essential to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. As a general rule, annually removing up to one-third of the oldest branches stimulates new growth and improves air circulation. The best time for a more thorough pruning to shape the plant or manage its size is immediately after it has finished flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Elaeagnus 'Compacta', commonly known as Compact Elaeagnus, thrives in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A balanced mix should include garden soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingCompact Elaeagnus should be repotted approximately every two to three years, or when it becomes root-bound. This ensures the plant has enough space to grow and maintain its compact size.
Humidity & MistingCompact Elaeagnus is relatively tolerant of different humidity levels, thriving in average room humidity conditions. It does not have specific humidity requirements, which makes it adaptable to many indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light; water when top soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleElaeagnus × 'Compacta', commonly known as Compact Elaeagnus, begins its life cycle as a seed, requiring stratification or specific conditions to germinate. Upon germination, it establishes a root system and sprouts its first leaves, entering the seedling stage. As it matures, the Compact Elaeagnus enters the vegetative stage, characterized by active growth of leaves, branches, and development of a sturdy structure. Following that, it reaches the flowering stage, where it produces inconspicuous but fragrant flowers, usually in the fall, which are essential for pollination and subsequent cross-breeding. If pollination is successful, the plant then produces small, berry-like fruits containing seeds, thereby completing the sexual reproduction cycle. Finally, the plant enters a period of senescence after several years, where growth slows and it may eventually die, although Compact Elaeagnus is known for its longevity and can live for many years with proper care.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Propogation: Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Compacta', commonly known as Compact Elaeagnus, is generally propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The optimal time for taking cuttings is during summer, when the plant is actively growing but the wood has begun to mature. A cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) is snipped just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves are removed. The cut end is often treated with a rooting hormone to enhance root development, then planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment out of direct sunlight until roots have established, after which they can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
