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Elaeagnus x ebbingei

Image of Elaeagnus x ebbingei

Hahira Nursery

Family

Elaeagnaceae

Botanical Name

Elaeagnus x ebbingei

Plant Common Name

Ebbing's Silverberry

General Description

Ebbing’s silverberry is a large, fast-growing shrub that is believed to be a hybrid between Elaeagnus pungens and E. macrophylla. In the northernmost parts of its hardiness it is semi-evergreen but in regions with warmers winters it is fully evergreen. There are many cultivated varieties to choose from and all are tough, thriving in poor, droughty soils, and relatively fast-growing. This is a more cold-sensitive species that does not thrive in zones colder than 7.

The elliptical leaves of Ebbing’s silverberry are rough to the touch, dark green on the upper surface and silvery beneath. Its long branches are thornless. Extremely fragrant, tiny, silvery white, bell-shaped flowers are produced in the fall or winter and borne in profuse clusters. Lovely red or pink berry-like drupes with silver mottling follow the flowers in late winter or spring. The fruits are edible and pleasant tasting but gritty.

Elaeagnus are some of the most durable shrubs, tolerant of most well-drained soils. Full sun is preferred but some shade is tolerated. Ebbing’s silverberry is very salt, wind and pest resistant. It is also a little more compact than other silverberries but still requires pruning to keep its long branches in check. More compact or variegated forms are ideal for mixed borders and foundations. Larger specimens are suitable as hedges, wind breaks or screens.

All Elaeagnus species fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, a quality which allows then to grow better in poorer soils.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    7 - 11

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    10'-12' / 3.0m - 3.7m

  • Width

    8'-12' / 2.4m - 3.7m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Fall, Early Winter, Winter

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White, Silver

  • Fruit Color

    Red, Pink, Silver

  • Fruit Color Modifier

    Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Gray Green, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Gray Green, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Gray Green, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Gray Green, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    SpottedMottled

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Sandy Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    Yes

  • Edible Fruit

    Yes

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Edible, Feature Plant, Foundation, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Hedges, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes