Overview
Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Elaeagnus, part of the Elaeagnaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.5-4 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens.
About
Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' is a deciduous shrub cultivar of the Elaeagnus genus, commonly known as oleaster 'Quicksilver'. It has a bushy habit and grows to a height and spread of 2.5 to 4 metres, reaching full size within 5 to 10 years. This drought-resistant shrub thrives in full sun and is suitable for west, east, and south-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered locations. It adapts well to a variety of soil types and pH levels, preferring moist but well-drained or well-drained soils. 'Quicksilver' provides seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, and winter.
About the genus
Elaeagnus is a genus of about 90 species of flowering plants in the family Elaeagnaceae. Species of the genus are commonly known as silverberry or oleaster.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Elaeagnus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Hedging and screens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny position. Water regularly during establishment. Tolerates drought once established. Prune annually to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged wood.
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings, Remove rooted suckers in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free, may be susceptible to elaeagnus sucker
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot, leaf spot (fungal)
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver'?
Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny position. Water regularly during establishment. Tolerates drought once established. Prune annually to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Where is the best place to plant Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver'?
Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' need?
Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver'?
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged wood.
How big does Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' grow?
Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' reaches a height of 2.5-4 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' hardy in the UK?
Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Remove rooted suckers in autumn.
More in the Elaeagnus genus
Browse all Elaeagnus →
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