Shepherdia argentea
silverberry
S. argentea is an upright, often tree-like, bushy deciduous shrub with oblong leaves covered in silvery scales. Insignificant greenish-yellow flowers in early spring are followed, on female plants, by bright red berries
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver | Red | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Elaeagnaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Shepherdia are evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees, with oval or oblong leaves. Small flowers appear in spring before the leaves, male and female on separate plants, followed by colourful berries on female plants
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N & W North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun. Tolerates poor, dry soils and exposed coastal conditions. Both male and female plants must be grown together for fruit
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by greenwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.