An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils that are well-drained, though it dislikes shallow chalk soils. This last report conflicts rather with the record of its natural habitat, it should grow well on chalk. Prefers a light sandy soil that is only moderately fertile, succeeding in poor and dry soils. Requires a position in full sun. Plants are very drought and wind resistant. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -40°c. However, plants prefer a continental climate and are liable to be cut back in severe winters in Britain mainly because the wood is not fully ripened in our cooler summers. A moderately fast-growing plant. The small flowers are deliciously scented. This species does not normally require pruning but the plant can regenerate from very old wood and so can be cut back severely if required. Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%. Often confused with E. angustifolia even though it is very distinct. Plants produce suckers quite freely, often sending them up at some distance from the plant. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus.

Fruit - raw or cooked. Dry and mealy. Good when added to soups they also make an excellent jelly. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent. The fruit contains a single large seed. Seed - raw or cooked. It can be eaten with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. It should germinate in late winter or early spring, though it may take 18 months. Stored seed can be very slow to germinate, often taking more than 18 months. A warm stratification for 4 weeks followed by 12 weeks cold stratification can help. The seed usually (eventually) germinates quite well. Prick out the seedlings into individual pot as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when they are at least 15cm tall. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, October/November in a frame. The cuttings are rather slow and difficult to root, leave them for 12 months. Layering in September/October. Takes 12 months. Division of suckers during the dormant season. The larger suckers can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, but it is probably best to pot up smaller suckers and grow them on in a cold frame until they are established.

Dry calcareous slopes.