Oleaster comes in many varieties for the garden. Unfortunately, not all species are hardy. When buying, find out whether the chosen oleaster tree is hardy or not. Which species you choose depends on whether you want to keep them outside all year round or in a container on the patio.

Some varieties of the oleaster survive light frosts without any problems

Look out for hardy varieties

When buying an olive tree, you should make sure that you buy a hardy variety. Only these can be planted outdoors and left outside all year round.

Basically, older, well-established willow trees tolerate frost better than freshly planted young plants. These are not yet completely hardy and should be protected from frost in the first few years outdoors. Cover the floor area with:

  • bark mulch
  • leaves
  • straw
  • mature compost
  • lawn clippings

Grow non-hardy oleiferous willows in tubs

Some non-hardy oleaginous willows cannot withstand severe frosts for long periods of time. They only survive up to minus 8 degrees for a very short time.

It is better to plant these oleasters in tubs. Then they are easier to hibernate. The tub is best placed in a cool greenhouse or conservatory in winter. It is important that the plants are very bright. A hibernation temperature between five and ten degrees is ideal.

Don't forget to water evergreen shrubs regularly, especially if they are wintered quite warm. The ornamental shrubs evaporate a lot of moisture through their leaves. Leaf-shedding oleasters need less water. However, they must not dry out completely.

Set oleaster as a hedge plant

If you want to plant an oleiferous hedge, you can only buy varieties that are hardy. In addition, it makes sense to protect the plants from severe frost.

Mulch covers are suitable for this, with which the soil around the plant is covered.

Some of the actually evergreen varieties lose their leaves in severe cold. This is no cause for concern. The bushes sprout again in spring. In mild winters, the foliage remains intact.

tips

Some varieties of oleaster are edible. They initially develop white flowers that spread a very strong, sweet fragrance. The flowers give rise to red fruits, which taste pleasantly sour and can be enjoyed raw or as a compote or jelly.

Category:

Trees