Elaeagnus macrophylla, commonly called oleaster, is native to Korea and Japan. It is a large, spreading, evergreen shrub that typically grows to 8-12' tall. Young branchlets are covered with silvery-white scales. Branchlets lack the spines which are present on some genus members.
Water thoroughly until water starts to drain from the holes in the bottom of the container. Add more soil mixture if settling occurs during watering.
Fertilize silverberry in the late winter or early spring when it begins to put forth new growth. Use a slow-release, all-purpose granular fertilizer, such as one with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10.
Although initially slow to grow, once established, Elaeagnus can grow up to 2.5 feet (76 cm.) each year. If the plant is getting too tall, simply prune it to the desired height.
This species is hardy to about -15°c[184], succeeding in the warmer counties of Britain. This is a plant with a very big potential as a commercial fruit crop.
