How to Grow and Care for Thorny olive

Thorny olive, also known as Spiny oleaster, Autumn olive, Autumn elaeagnus, Elaeagnus, Oleaster

Thorny olive is a robust, evergreen shrub noted for its resilience and adaptability to a range of environmental conditions. Key care points include ensuring adequate sunlight exposure—partial to full sun is ideal—and proper soil drainage to prevent root rot. Despite its toughness, thorny olive may require attention to manage its vigorous growth through regular pruning, which is a special care point to consider for maintaining shape and promoting healthy foliage.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

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Planting and Growing Thorny olive

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	7-9

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Varieties of Thorny olive

Thorny olive 'Maculata'

Thorny olive 'Maculata' is a robust, evergreen shrub recognized by its leathery, variegated leaves that sport a splash of yellow or gold at the center. The serrated foliage often inherits a silvery hue underneath, contributing to a luminous effect in any garden. Resilient against diverse conditions, thorny olive 'Maculata' thrives in well-drained soils, attracting wildlife with fragrant, inconspicuous flowers followed by edible red berries.

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More General Info About Thorny olive

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Quickly Identify Thorny olive

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Thorny olive is characterized by its extensive trailing branches and its capability to appear vine-like. The plant's leaves are notably green with a distinct silvery scale on the underside, while the petioles and major veins feature brown scales. Its stems are equipped with sharp, scaling thorns that assist in climbing. Blossoming occurs, offering fragrant silvery-white flowers, succeeded by eye-catching red fruit. The foliage contributes substantially to its overall display, typically extending up to 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) in a dense, sprawling manner.