About
A large, deciduous, suckering shrub with silvery shoots, silvery-scaly, ovate leaves and small, scented creamy-yellow flowers from silvery buds in summer.
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 pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants
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