Elaeagnus parvifolia
Elaeagnus parvifolia, also known as the small-leaved oleaster, is a member of the Elaeagnaceae family. It is native to China and is commonly found in the provinces of Hebei, Henan, and Shanxi.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names such as the evergreen oleaster, dabaian, and the small-leaved silverberry.
Appearance
The Elaeagnus parvifolia plant can grow up to 10 meters in height and has an evergreen foliage. The leaves are oval-shaped and have a dark green color on the top and a lighter silver-gray color on the underside, which gives the plant a silvery appearance. The branches have sharp thorns, which are used to protect the plant from being eaten by herbivores. The plant produces small, fragrant yellow flowers in the spring, which later develop into small edible fruits that are red or orange in color.
Uses
Elaeagnus parvifolia is often used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance. The plant is suitable for hedges and can be pruned to create a topiary. The fruits are edible and have a sour taste, which makes them useful in making jams and jellies. The plant is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and is believed to help treat asthma, coughs, and other respiratory problems. The leaves of the plant are used as a natural insect repellent.
Light Requirements
Elaeagnus parvifolia prefers full sun to partial shade, with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It will grow in shade, but may have a thinner, spindly growth habit.
Temperature Requirements
Elaeagnus parvifolia is hardy to USDA zones 8-10, and can tolerate temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers moderate temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit, but can tolerate hotter or colder temperatures for short periods of time.
Soil Requirements
Elaeagnus parvifolia grows best in well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. It does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly-draining soils, as this can lead to root rot.
It is also tolerant of drought conditions, and can withstand periods of low moisture. However, it will grow best with consistent moisture, either from rainfall or irrigation.
Cultivation Methods
Elaeagnus parvifolia is an evergreen and drought-tolerant plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It can also grow in partial shade, but the foliage may not be as abundant. The plant prefers a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and is ideal for growing in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. When planting, ensure enough space for the Elaeagnus parvifolia to grow as it can reach up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
Watering Needs
During the first year of growth, it is crucial to keep the soil moist to aid in establishing the plant’s roots. Once established, Elaeagnus parvifolia can survive long periods of drought and only requires watering during dry seasons. However, during prolonged drought conditions, regular watering is imperative to keep the plant healthy and vigorous.
Fertilization
It is not necessary to fertilize Elaeagnus parvifolia. However, applying a slow-release balanced fertilizer during early spring can enhance its growth and overall health. Nitrogen-heavy fertilizers should be avoided as this may lead to excessive growth, stunted flowering, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Elaeagnus parvifolia requires minimal pruning. However, it can be pruned to maintain its shape or to remove any damaged or diseased leaves or branches. The best time to prune Elaeagnus parvifolia is during late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Pruning after flowering can lead to reduced flower production in the subsequent year.
Propagation of Elaeagnus Parvifolia
Elaeagnus parvifolia, commonly known as the Russian olive, is a drought-resistant plant that is grown for its ornamental value and edible fruit. It is relatively easy to propagate this plant using various methods, including cutting, seed, and layering.
Propagation by Cutting:
Propagation by cutting is one of the most common and successful methods of propagating Elaeagnus parvifolia. Cuttings are usually taken in late spring or early summer when the new growth starts to harden. The cutting should be around 6 inches in length and taken from a healthy, disease-free mother plant.
Make sure to use clean, sharp tools when taking the cuttings to avoid damaging the plant. Remove any leaves from the lower two-thirds of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining potting mix.
Place the cutting in a warm, humid place, out of direct sunlight, and keep the soil moist. After a few weeks, the cutting should start rooting, and new leaves will begin to sprout. Once the roots are established, transplant the young plant into a bigger pot or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Seed:
Elaeagnus parvifolia can also be propagated by seed. Collect seeds from the fruit in the fall and sow them into a well-draining soil mix in the spring. Cover lightly with soil and keep the soil moist. Germination can take a few weeks to a few months, so be patient.
Once the seedlings have grown large enough, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the ground. Keep in mind that seed-grown plants may take longer to mature and produce fruit than those propagated by cutting.
Propagation by Layering:
Propagation by layering is a simple and effective method of propagating Elaeagnus parvifolia. This method involves bending a low hanging branch down to the ground and covering a portion of it with soil.
After a few weeks, roots will start to grow from the buried part of the branch. Once the roots are established, cut the branch from the mother plant and transplant into a bigger pot or directly into the ground.
Propagation by layering is a great method to use if you want a clone of the mother plant without taking too much of it away. It's also helpful if you want to propagate plants that have a difficult time being propagated by other methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Elaeagnus Parvifolia
Elaeagnus parvifolia, commonly known as the dwarf Elaeagnus, is a hardy shrub that is resistant to many diseases and pests. However, like all plants, it is still vulnerable to some problems that can be damaging if left unchecked. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect this plant and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common Elaeagnus parvifolia diseases is leaf spot. This is characterized by the appearance of small, brown spots on the leaves, which then expand into larger, irregular patches. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove all fallen leaves and debris from around the shrub to prevent the spread of the disease. You can also use a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Fungal gall is another common disease that affects the dwarf Elaeagnus. This disease causes the formation of galls or bumps on the stem. The best way to manage this disease is to prune the affected parts and destroy them. Make sure to sterilize your pruning shears after each cut to avoid spreading the disease to other plants.
Common Pests
The Elaeagnus parvifolia is also vulnerable to some common pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and aphids. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that live on the underside of leaves and cause the plant to appear dry and yellow. Scale insects and aphids cause damage by sucking sap from the leaves and stems which causes them to curl and turn yellow.
To manage these pests, you can either use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils to smother and kill the insects. You can also use natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to keep the pests under control. It is important to note that chemical pesticides should be avoided as they can be harmful to beneficial insects and the environment.
Overall, Elaeagnus parvifolia is a relatively tough and resilient plant. With proper care and management of any diseases and pests, your dwarf Elaeagnus can thrive and last for many years.
