Pleached Elaeagnus, Pleached Oleaster, Pleached Ebbinge’s Silverberry

Elaeagnus, Oleaster, Ebbinge’s Silverberry – Elaeagnus ebbingei (Elaeagnaceae)

The Ebbinge’s silverberry or Elaeagnus, is a compact evergreen shrub with distinctive foliage and dense crown, it grows to a height of approximately 3-5m. A reasonably fast-growing species it needs pruning more frequently than the Holm Oak, but it fills the frame quicker (30-40cm a year is easily achievable in the right conditions) – comes in cheaper than most other species.

A fabulous evergreen screening plant. With dark green leaves, a sliver underside and brown to grey twigs and branches, it fits seamlessly into nearly all garden designs. Being a smaller plant, they shouldn’t be planted too far apart, 160-170cm ideal. In August and September, the plant produces a beautiful show of white fragrant little flowers which grow from the old wood branches.. Orange berries follow in the winter and spring giving unusual seasonal interest.

This plant is an excellent choice for coastal gardens, where it thrives in this hostile, salt laden environment. The tree will survive in just about any soil type including clay, sandy soil, loamy soil nutrient deficient soil, but it does prefer soil not to be waterlogged or wet. The plant also prefers not to have soil packed higher up the stem than the top of the root plate as it will causes the stem to rot and can lead to the death of the plant – so don’t be tempted to plant this shrub deeper than the root plate as it could be costly. From a winter hardiness point of view the Elaeagnus will tolerate temperature down to -17c for short periods yet has an excellent record for drought resistance, so suitable for the British climate. A hardy specimen which can be seen holding on to life in the most demanding locations. Having shallow roots, it doesn’t respond well to being covered by paving, but with some planning and suitable planting pits this can normally be overcome – remember to mulch annually in spring remembering not to cover the stem.

A low maintenance plant, the Ebbinge’s Silverberry can be found as specimen shrubs, hedge plants, instant hedge elements, spherical pieces of topiary and pleached trees. At home in formal and informal gardens it is available throughout the year in pots and containers while stocks last.

Planting Advice for Pleached Trees and Espaliered Trees.

An important consideration when planting pleached or espalier trees in a straight line is the slope of the ground. Pleached or Espalier trees look their best when they are planted on flat or gently sloping ground. Doing so will line up the frames and stems and creating effect of one continuous line when viewed at all angles. Even on a gradual slope this effect can be achieved. However, with a slope of more than 10-12 degrees, it may be necessary to step the trees/frames when planting (the frames on freshly pleached trees can be manipulated to account for a sharper slope of perhaps 15 degree if necessary).

To create a good visual effect, it is important to line up the stems and frames (unless you are planting them in a circle or semi-circle). To start off the planting holes should measure roughly double the width of the rootball or pot….

Read our full planting guide here

How are Pleached Trees made?

Pleached trees or screen trees start life as a seedling or cutting, much like any other tree, being repotted or replanted a number of times in their formative years. They grow happily on the nursery with hundreds or even thousands of other trees. When the time is right, highly skilled nurserymen and woman go out into the field amongst the trees with tags in hand and pick the very best trees for pleaching. The criteria for choosing the best trees for training includes, selecting those with the straightest stems, healthy root stock and appropriately spreading and uninform crowns. Once tagged and lifted the trees are loaded onto trailers and sent to potting sheds for training. Read our full guide to pleaching trees here

Delivery varies depending on several factors:

• How many trees you require
• If you want us to plant them
• Accessibility of the site
• If any need sourcing
• The seasonal ability to lift or plant specific species

  Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements.