Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Compacta’ Pleached – Space-Saving Evergreen Privacy with Lasting Style
The Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Compacta’ in a pleached form offers the perfect blend of elegance, practicality, and all-season coverage. With a 1.8-metre clear stem topped by a 120×120cm trained framework, it provides an instant “living screen” while leaving ground-level space free for underplanting, pathways, or garden features.
The foliage is dense, glossy dark green above and beautifully silvery beneath – shimmering in sunlight and lending movement in the breeze. In early autumn, tiny creamy-white flowers appear, releasing a sweet, jasmine-like fragrance that draws in bees and other pollinators.
‘Compacta’ has a smaller leaf size and more restrained growth compared to standard Elaeagnus ebbingei, making it easier to keep neatly clipped for formal gardens or urban courtyards. Its toughness is legendary – thriving in coastal winds, urban pollution, drought, and a wide range of soils.
Why Choose Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Compacta’ Pleached?
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Year-Round Structure – Evergreen leaves keep privacy screens lush through all seasons.
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Neat & Manageable – Smaller leaves and slower growth simplify upkeep.
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Space-Saving Design – 180cm clear stem allows light and access beneath the canopy.
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Tough & Adaptable – Coastal, urban, and exposed sites are no problem.
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Seasonal Fragrance – Autumn blooms with a sweet, heady scent.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Sun or partial shade; ideal for exposed, sheltered, coastal, or inland settings.
Soil: Any free-draining soil type, from sandy to clay.
Watering: Water regularly during the first season to establish deep roots.
Feeding: Apply a slow-release balanced fertiliser in spring.
Pruning: Clip lightly twice a year – late spring and late summer – to maintain the crisp frame.
Design & Planting Ideas
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Align along garden boundaries for a sophisticated, green privacy wall.
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Perfect for screening neighbouring windows while preserving light below.
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Use in formal garden design alongside low hedges, clipped balls, or ornamental grasses.
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Ideal in compact gardens where tall fencing feels too heavy.
Elaeagnus ebbingei ‘Compacta’ Pleached in its 180cm stem form brings evergreen structure, refined style, and impressive resilience – an ideal choice for elegant, long-lasting screening in gardens of any size.
Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants
Pros:
- Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
- Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.
Cons:
- Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
- Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).
Preparation for Planting:
- Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
- Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.
Planting Process:
- Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
- Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
- Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
- Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.
Possibility of Losses:
- Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
- Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.
Main Causes of Failure:
- Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
- Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
- Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
- Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.
Tips for Success:
- Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
- Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.
By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
