About
This fast-growing shrub, up to 5m high, with deciduous, soft, narrow green leaves with silvery undersides, and abundant small but very aromatic cream flowers in early summer. Flowers are followed by round, red, sweet, acidic, edible fruits, larger than those typical for the species, in autumn.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun; will thrive in any well-drained soil, including poor soil, except very shallow chalk
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by root cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot or leaf spot (fungal) see leaf damage on woody plants