Elaeagnus × ebbingei (E. × submacrophylla) evergreen silverthorn

Gilt Edge is a beautiful variety of this evergreen silverthorn. It has ovate, up to 10 cm long, leathery but thin leaves that are deep green in the middle and bright yellow at margins. Newly emerging leaves and twigs are silvery-beige. Apart from the foliage this plant is also interesting for its almost invisible flowers. They are tiny and appear from late summer to early autumn and are hard to see unless you look up close. But you can definitely smell them. They have a lovely, sweet fragrance, especially in the evening. They are followed by fruit in spring. 1,5cm long, oval fruit is deep red and taste like dark cherries. It is best to let them ripen well which is when it begins to fall. The plant can hold the fruit only if the winter is mild.

Silverthorn is a fast and vigorous grower. You can prune it almost any time from spring till autumn. It is soil adaptable but needs mulching in our climate to protect surface roots from heavy frost. We suggest planting it in winter shade in colder regions. Even after severe frosts it re-sprouts from healthy wood and makes long new branches. It will not live in boggy and wet conditions. Hardy to min. -20°C (USDA zone 6b), should the temperature drop lower protect it with white woven for maximum of 2 weeks. In frost-free periods provide extra watering if the ground is not frozen.

Last update 19-02-2010