About
A deciduous upright shrub to 4m in height, spreading by suckers to form thickets. It has an upright habit with silver, scaly, oval-shaped leaves up to 7cm in length, from reddish-brown shoots. Yellowish-white scented flowers appear in late spring, followed in autumn by red fruit with a mealy appearance.
About the genus
Elaeagnus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple, often silvery-scaled leaves, and small fragrant tubular flowers borne in clusters in the leaf axils, and followed by small juicy fruit
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Alkaline, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Wildlife gardens
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. See shrub cultivation
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 coral spot and honey fungus