About
Elaeagnus pungens, silverthorn, is a strong-growing, wide-spreading, mostly spineless evergreen shrub to 5 m with polished, dark-green, white-backed, brown-scaled leaves. Clusters of modestly sized but intensely aromatic, silvery-cream flowers appear in autumn, followed by oval red fruits. An excellent evergreen for structure, screening and wildlife in a sunny, well-drained garden.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeSand, Loam, Clay, Chalk
Soil pHNeutral, Acid, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil, except shallow chalk, in sun or partial shade. Is especially useful as a heding or screening plant in coastal areas
PruningPruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
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