Elaeagnus ebbengei ‘compacta’ – 1/2 Standard

Experience the elegant beauty of Elaeagnus × ebbingei ‘Compacta’ presented as expertly trained half standards, bringing exceptional architectural structure, year-round interest, and surprise autumn fragrance to gardens with its distinctive lollipop form and silvery foliage. This outstanding evergreen shrub offers remarkable qualities—glossy dark green leaves with striking silvery-white undersides creating shimmering two-tone effect and elegant texture, compact naturally dense growth habit trained on a clear stem creating instant formal structure and lollipop shape perfect for framing entrances, flanking pathways, or adding height to borders, intensely fragrant creamy-white flowers in autumn filling the air with sweet perfume when few other plants bloom, and exceptional adaptability thriving in coastal conditions, urban pollution, poor soils, and challenging sites making this one of the toughest architectural evergreens, making this one of the finest choices for creating instant formal elegance, year-round structure, autumn fragrance, and architectural presence in gardens and containers.

Throughout the year, this captivating half standard displays its characteristic glossy dark green leaves measuring 6-8cm long with smooth edges and a leathery texture. The leaves have striking silvery-white undersides covered in tiny scales that catch the light creating beautiful shimmering effect, especially when the wind moves through the foliage. The two-tone foliage creates elegant depth and interest. The leaves are held on a compact rounded head measuring 80cm-1.2m diameter (when mature) that sits atop a clear stem measuring 60-80cm tall, creating the distinctive lollipop or half standard form. The overall effect is formal, architectural, and sophisticated. In autumn (October-November), the plant produces its most enchanting feature—masses of small tubular creamy-white flowers measuring 1cm long that are almost hidden within the foliage but announce their presence with intensely sweet fragrance reminiscent of gardenias or jasmine. The perfume is powerful and carries on the air—one of the most delightful autumn surprises in the garden. The flowers are followed in spring by small oval orange-red fruits measuring 1-2cm long that are edible but astringent. The expertly trained half standard form provides instant architectural structure—the clear stem creates height and formality while the compact rounded head provides elegant presence without overwhelming smaller spaces.

This popular hybrid is a cross between Elaeagnus macrophylla and E. pungens, combining the best qualities of both parents. The cultivar name ‘Compacta’ refers to its naturally dense compact growth habit—more restrained than the species. The genus name Elaeagnus comes from Greek ‘elaia’ (olive) and ‘agnos’ (chaste tree), referring to the olive-like fruits. Hardy and exceptionally tough, this elaeagnus thrives in temperate climates, tolerating coastal salt spray, urban pollution, poor soils, drought once established, and exposed positions. Fast-growing and vigorous, establishing quickly and providing immediate architectural impact. The half standard form has been expertly trained in the nursery over several years—the clear stem and rounded head are maintained through regular clipping. More expensive than shrub forms but provides instant formal structure that would take years to achieve otherwise.

Create stunning compositions by planting half standards as spectacular architectural features flanking doorways, entrances, or gateways where the formal symmetry creates elegant impact, lining pathways or driveways where repeated standards create rhythm and structure, marking corners or focal points in borders where vertical emphasis is needed, or as formal sentinels in courtyard gardens, contemporary landscapes, or formal gardens where the year-round architectural presence provides constant interest. Exceptional planted in pairs for symmetrical impact or in rows for formal avenues and structured plantings. Works beautifully in large containers on terraces, patios, or balconies where the lollipop form creates portable architectural features. Magnificent underplanted with low box hedging, lavender, or seasonal bedding that complements the formal structure. Perfect for creating instant architectural impact, formal elegance, autumn fragrance, and year-round evergreen structure.

Planting: Space standards 1.5-2m apart for avenue or boundary plantings, or position individually or in pairs for architectural features. Plant container-grown standards year-round, though autumn or early spring is ideal. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and incorporate organic matter. Plant at the same depth as the container—ensure the standard is perfectly vertical and stake securely to support the head until established (2-3 years). Water thoroughly and mulch around the base. Choose positions in full sun to partial shade—full sun produces best growth and flowering. Ideal for formal gardens, contemporary landscapes, entrances, pathways, or containers. Tolerates coastal conditions brilliantly.

Soil Preparation: Thrives in well-drained soil with pH 5.5-8.0. Tolerates an exceptionally wide range of soil types including clay, loam, sand, chalk, poor soils, and acidic to alkaline conditions. Dislikes only severely waterlogged sites. Tolerates coastal salt spray, urban pollution, drought once established, and challenging conditions better than most evergreens. Best growth occurs in reasonably fertile, well-drained soil, but this is one of the most adaptable and forgiving evergreens for difficult sites.

Container Growing: Excellent for container growing in large pots (minimum 45-50cm diameter) using soil-based compost, creating spectacular portable architectural features for terraces, patios, entrances, or formal gardens. Water regularly during growing season—tolerates some drought once established but container-grown specimens need consistent moisture. Feed in spring and midsummer with slow-release balanced fertiliser. Protect containers from severe frost by moving to sheltered positions or wrapping pots. Repot every 3-4 years in spring. Clip 2-3 times during growing season to maintain perfect rounded head. Container-grown standards provide flexibility to rearrange formal displays seasonally.

Seasonal Care: CRITICAL: Regular clipping is essential to maintain the compact rounded head—clip 2-3 times during the growing season (late spring, midsummer, and early autumn) using sharp hedge shears or secateurs to preserve the lollipop shape. First clip in late spring (May) after any frost risk to shape and control vigorous growth. Second clip in midsummer (July) to maintain density. Final clip in early autumn (September) before flowering to tidy the head—avoid clipping too late as this removes flower buds. Use templates or string guides to maintain even rounded shape. Remove any shoots appearing on the clear stem immediately. Apply slow-release balanced fertiliser in early spring to support vigorous growth and dense foliage. Mulch annually with organic matter. Water during dry spells, especially in the first 2-3 years until established—once established, remarkably drought-tolerant. Generally pest and disease resistant. Very robust and trouble-free with regular maintenance. The autumn fragrance is a wonderful bonus!

Propagation: The cultivar can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer to autumn with rooting hormone—success rate is good. However, creating expertly trained half standard forms requires years of professional training, regular pruning, and horticultural skill to develop the clear stem and perfectly rounded head. Home gardeners seeking instant architectural impact should purchase nursery-grown trained standards that have been professionally formed over several years and are ready for immediate planting.

This elegant beauty is absolutely spectacular—instant formal architecture and year-round sophistication! That expertly trained lollipop form with clear stem and compact rounded head creates such striking formal elegance. Glossy dark green leaves with shimmering silvery undersides provide beautiful two-tone effect, and those intensely fragrant creamy-white autumn flowers are such a delightful surprise—powerful sweet perfume when few other plants bloom! Exceptionally tough—thrives in coastal conditions, poor soils, drought, urban pollution, and challenging sites brilliantly. Fast-growing and vigorous. Remember regular clipping 2-3 times per year maintains that perfect rounded head—absolutely worth it for the stunning formal impact! Perfect for flanking entrances, containers, formal gardens, or anywhere you want instant architectural elegance and year-round structure. Pure sophistication and autumn magic!