Elaeagnus pungens
silverthorn
A strong-growing, wide-spreading evergreen shrub, to 5m in height, with some spiny, but mainly spineless branches. Leaves, are green and glossy above and matt white underneath, with brown scales. Clusters of small but extremely-fragrant, silvery-cream flowers are borne in autumn, followed by oval red fruits
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Neutral, Acid, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White | Red | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | |||
| Autumn | White | Green White | ||
| Winter | Green White |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Elaeagnaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- 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
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil, except shallow chalk, in sun or partial shade. Is especially useful as a heding or screening plant in coastal areas
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to elaeagnus sucker
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot or leaf spot (fungal) see leaf damage on woody plants
Get involved
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