About
Elaeagnus commutata, the silver berry, is a suckering, deciduous shrub to 4 m with an upright habit and silvery, scaly, oval leaves to 7 cm on reddish-brown shoots. Yellowish-white, intensely scented flowers appear in late spring, followed by mealy-red fruits in autumn. Excellent for wildlife and naturalising in a sunny, well-drained position.
About the genus
Elaeagnus are deciduous or evergreen shrubs and small trees with simple, often silvery-scaled leaves and clusters of small, tubular, very fragrant flowers in late spring, summer or autumn, followed by small, juicy, berry-like fruits. Grown as ornamental shrubs and for their exceptionally fragrant flowers.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Wildlife gardens
Native toN America
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in full sun, tolerant of dry soil and coastal winds but may become chlorotic on shallow chalky soils
PruningPruning group 1; sucker removal if necessary, in autumn
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or remove rooted suckers in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to elaeagnus sucker
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot or leaf spot (fungal) see leaf damage on woody plants