variegated hybrid elaeagnus
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
The leaves of this evergreen shrub are dynamite, with the sharp contrast between their dark green centers and brilliant gold margins. The new leaves are coated with silvery scales, these remain thick beneath the mature leaves but thin to dots on upper leaf surfaces. In October, small, silver-scaly flowers hide in the branches of 'Gilt Edge', but their presence is revealed by the exquisite fragrance that floats on the autumn air. Like other Eleagnus, this is extremely adaptable, growing in full sun or part shade. It is drought tolerant and can be used as screening or hedging. Plant it as an accent plant, to brighten a dark spot, or use it in a mixed border with other shrubs and perennials.
Plant Type: shrub
Foliage Type: evergreen
Plant Height (10-year): 8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 meters)
Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 meters)
Plant Height-Mature: 12 ft. 0 in. (3.66 meters)
Plant Width-Mature: 12 ft. 0 in. (3.66 meters)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 7 to 10
Flower Color: cream
Sun/Light Exposure: full sun to deep shade
Water Requirements: drought tolerant when established
Wildlife Associations: bees
Great Plant Combinations:
Great Color Contrasts: dark green, blue, burgundy
Great Color Partners: gold, silver, yellow
This tough and adaptable shrub will grow in full sun to deep shade in well-drained soils, although it will tolerate sandy or clay soils if they are not waterlogged. Once established it is drought tolerant, but in competitive situations it appreciates occasional watering during the driest weather. If all-green leaves appear prune out the branch to keep the variegation uniform. In dappled and deep shade it rarely flowers. In sunny locations pruning is best in winter, early spring and early summer to keep from removing flower buds. It is resistant to damage from salt-laden air.
Seedlings of this hybrid were first grown in Europe in 1929, where this fine cultivar has been very popular.
Text and photos ©2020 Great Plant Picks/Elisabeth Carey Miller Garden except where otherwise noted
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation, The Seattle Times, and Individual Donors
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden