Garden Care Guide

Autumn Olive Care

Elaeagnus umbellata

A very hardy shrub with silvery leaves that bears edible red fruit in autumn. However, because it fruits abundantly and is spread by birds, it is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world; planting it requires care and control.

Hardy · -30 °C / -22 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Pruning: While the tree is dormant, this is the best time to control unwanted spread and shape it.
  • General care: The plant is in dormancy; pull out unwanted seedlings nearby.
February
  • Pruning: This is the final period for pruning.
  • General care: It is getting ready to wake.
March
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • Pruning: Prune just before the shoots break. Because flowers form on this year's new shoots, hard pruning increases flowering. Before growth starts, dead and crossing branches are removed. Root suckers are invasive; remove them early. Formative pruning is done during the dormant period.
  • General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
April
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • Pruning: Not done; flowering time is approaching.
  • General care: Suitable period for planting and transplanting. Flowering begins.
May
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Suitable period for planting and transplanting. Flowering continues. Drainage is critical for this plant. In heavy, water-retaining soil, plant on a mound or bed raised 20-30 cm; the root collar should remain above the surrounding soil level.
  • Pests & diseases: If you see black spots with yellow halos on the leaves (black spot), collect the diseased leaves and remove them from the garden; the disease overwinters in fallen leaves.
June
  • Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
  • Pruning: After the flowers finish, it can be pruned hard if fruit is not wanted and its spread is to be controlled; if fruit is wanted, do not prune.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: The fruits begin to form.
  • Pests & diseases: If you see black spots with yellow halos on the leaves (black spot), collect the diseased leaves and remove them from the garden; the disease overwinters in fallen leaves.
July
  • Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
August
  • Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. The root zone should be wetted to a depth of 30-40 cm.
  • General care: The fruits enlarge and begin to color.
September
  • Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month. Water newly planted specimens more often than established plants during the first year; the root system is still shallow.
  • Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
  • General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
  • Pests & diseases: If you see black spots with yellow halos on the leaves (black spot), collect the diseased leaves and remove them from the garden; the disease overwinters in fallen leaves.
October
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • Pruning: After the fruit harvest is over, pruning can be done to keep its spread under control.
  • General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
November
  • Watering: Water a newly planted specimen more often than established plants during its first year, as its root system is still shallow.
  • Pruning: Pruning can be carried out.
  • General care: Suitable period for planting and transplanting. Make sure water does not pool in the root zone during winter rains; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
December
  • Pruning: A suitable time for structural pruning.
  • General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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