When to fertilize and what fertilizer to use,..... live in east TN .... and have planted 10 plants last year.

Answer #1 · Gardenality.com's Answer · Hi Donnie - Elaeagnus is a very fast growing shrub that can mature to 15 feet in height with an equal or wider spread. That being said, it can be kept smaller with frequent pruning. Even then, I typically wouldn't use it as a hedge in home foundation plantings. It just grows too fast and large...and the larger it gets the more difficult it'll be too maintain. Maybe against a large, blank wall on the side of a two-story or taller home would be okay. I would typically use Elaeagnus as a natural hedge to create a screen or buffer, and leave it plenty of space to grow.

Regarding fertilizer, a well-balanced shrub and tree type fertilizer applied in early spring would work fine. I have deer living in the woods on both sides of my property so use Milorganite to fertilize most all ornamental shrubs and trees. Milorganite helps to repel deer.

Hope this was helpful. Let us know if you need more details or have any other questions.

Brent)

Answer #2 · Maple Tree's Answer · Hi Donnie-There are many questions regarding when and what fertilizer to use in our gardens. When looking over the many shelves of fertilizers at the nursery it can seem overwhelming as to what fertilizer will be best for our specific plants. There are many good fertilizers on the market but choosing the right one doesn't have to be complicated. When one tells us to use a well balanced shrub and tree fertilizer it may still leave a question in our minds as to which one is well ballanced for our shrub or tree. Many fertilizers are labeled "balanced" or "all-purpose" which means they have a good percentage or balanced amount of the three most important nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) needed for most plants healthy growth. These fertilizers work well for general use throughout your gardens or landscape. Most quality nurseries carry products specifically formulated and labeled for certain groups of plants, such as lawns, shrubs and trees, roses, acid loving plants, bulbs, vegetables, etc.. The nutrient formulation for these groups of plants are adjusted to the particular needs of these plant groups. So, when looking for a fertilizer for your Elaeagnus just look for a product labeled "balanced" or "all purpose" shrub and tree fertilizer. There are liquid, organic, and granular forms of these fertilizers also for which quality nurseries can help you choose from. I like to use a slow release or slow acting granular fertilizer for my shrubs and trees. I feel they are not only easier to apply but I like the fact that being slow acting or releasing they won't burn the plants and they will continue to release nutrients throuhout most of the plants growing season allowing in most cases only one application a year. As Brent said, fertilizing in early spring preferably after the last expected frost and before new growth appears is best.

Hopefully this has helped.

John)