If you’re dreaming of giving your backyard those breezy, Mediterranean vibes, you’ve got to check out Silverberries (also known as Oleaster). They actually get their German name, *Ölweide*, from their striking resemblance to olive trees. When it comes to working these beauties into your landscape, you’ve got plenty of cool options to play with.
Super Versatile Plants
Training them into a standard (that classic “lollipop” tree shape) is a popular choice, but it’s definitely not the only one. Since they don’t usually tower over everything else, Silverberries are also fantastic for hedges. Their dense branches make them a top-tier privacy screen. Plus, if you live somewhere with mild winters, the evergreen varieties will keep their leaves all year long, keeping your yard private even in the off-season.
The Best Varieties for Tree Training
Since some varieties stay pretty low to the ground, not every Silverberry is a candidate for training into a tall standard. If you’re looking for a variety that has the height to stand tall, here are your best bets:
- Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia): Reaches up to 23 feet.
- Cherry Silverberry (Elaeagnus multiflora): Ranges between 6 and 26 feet.
- Ebbing’s Silverberry (Elaeagnus ebbingei): Reaches about 8 feet.
- Thorny Olive (Elaeagnus pungens): Reaches about 8 feet.
- Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata): Reaches up to 13 feet.
How to Get the Look
Since most nurseries sell Silverberries as bushy shrubs or hedge plants, you’ll likely need to do a little pruning to get that tree-like shape. Start by picking out the straightest, strongest main shoot you can find. Snip away the competing branches—leaving just a few small ones for now—and tie your main stem to a sturdy stake to guide it upward.
If you stay consistent and pinch off any side shoots that pop up along the trunk, that main stem will wood over and thicken up in no time. Once it reaches your desired height, you can focus on shaping the canopy. Regular trimming will help the crown fill out, giving you that lush, dense look we all love!
