Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Limelight' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
oleaster 'Limelight'

Other common names

Ebbinge's silverberry 'Limelight'

Synonyms

Elaeagnus × ebbingei 'Limelight'

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

A variegated selection of this resilient shrub, having silvery young leaves that then develop irregular markings in dark green, lime green and gold (may fade to cream with exposure)

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Elaeagnaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade, tolerant of dry soils and coastal winds, may become chlorotic on shallow chalky soils

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 9. Remove reverted shoots as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to elaeagnus sucker damage

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot or leaf spot (fungal) see leaf damage on woody plants