Autumn Olive 'Ruby' (Elaeagnus umbellata) SN

An outstanding variety, Ruby Autumn Olive ™ is prized for its heavy crops of very large, brilliant red berries, which ripen in September. The flowers and fruit are complemented by the narrow, dark green foliage, which is silvery underneath. The fruit is very tasty, both eaten fresh and made into juice.

A very valuable and attractive shrub, Autumn Olive bears heavy crops of tasty and nutritious red or orange/yellow berries. Recent research has shown Autumn Olive fruit to be extremely high in lycopenes, which appear to help prevent prostate and other cancers. Very hardy and disease and pest resistant, birds also relish the fruit and bees love the profuse, fragrant white flowers.

Autumn Olive like half dat to full sun, well drained soil and is self-fertile. It is hardy to at least minus 35 degrees F., (USDA Zone 3) and often begins bearing the 2nd year after planting. Autumn Olive is not related to the true Olive and can be invasive in some regions of the US. We’ve seen no problems in the Pacific Northwest. Check with your county extension office for more information.

Site and Soil: Autumn Olive likes 1/2 day to full sun and well-drained soil.
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile.
Hardiness: Hardy to about minus 35 F.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 8-10 ft. in height
Taste: Sweet
Fruit Skin: Red
Fruit Size: Large
Bloom Time: Early May
Ripening Time: September
Yield: 50+ lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Autumn Olive is not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 3-8