Ebbinge's Silverberry

Elaeagnus (el-ee-AG-nus sub-mak-roh-FIL-ah)

Family: Elaeagnaceae Non-native Shrub (3-15 ft)

Ebbinge's silverberry is a large, rounded, evergreen shrub, native to Korea and Japan. It is a hybrid cross of Elaeagnus macrophylla x Elaeagnus pungens and was bred in 1929 by Dutch horticulturalist Simon Doorenbos in The Hague, Netherlands. This shrub grows 8 to 12 feet tall, and usually a little wider than tall. The young stems are silvery white and coated with scales. It has leathery, broad, dark, shiny green leaves with silvery metallic undersides and small, fragrant white flowers that bloom in the fall from October to November. This shrub is a member of the oleaster family (Elaeagnaceae). Prefers full sun to partial shade, and light, sandy, loamy soil, but will grow in a range of soil types as long as they are well-drained. It is drought-, deer-, salt spray-, and wind-tolerant. This shrub attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. Best propagated by stem cuttings. Due to its mature size, consider growing it in a large open area in your landscape. It may be used as a screen, hedge, or barrier, or as a background plant. The fragrant flowers in the fall and red fruits over winter will add fall and winter interest to your garden. This shrub may be used as a topiary specimen and will bloom even when pruned. When pruning, keep in mind that next year's blossoms will appear on old growth. Variegated cultivars are available. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. This shrub may be susceptible to a sap-sucking insect known as the Elaeagnus sucker. This insect can cause the leaves to become distorted. Monitor for fungal diseases such as coral spot, leaf spot, and honey fungus.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 60 attributes.