Elaeagnaceae
Silverberry (Elaeagnus)
Elaeagnus
An easygoing landscape plant: give it full sun to light shade and well-drained soil, then let it largely fend for itself. Water regularly while establishing, then only during prolonged drought. Minimal fertilizing and an annual prune to shape keep it looking its best.
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
-34° - 35°C
% - %
Categories
What is Silverberry?
Silverberry (Elaeagnus) is a easy-care plant from the Elaeagnaceae family. Elaeagnus is a genus of hardy shrubs and small trees prized for their silvery, scaly foliage and small, fragrant fall flowers followed by edible berry-like drupes. Native across temperate Asia, Europe, and North America, the genus includes both evergreen species (such as E. pungens) and deciduous sp...
Silverberry grows up to 6.0m, spread of 500cm, watering every 14 days, -34°C – 35°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Silverberry tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Silverberry is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Silverberry?
TLDR: Silverberry needs Bright indirect, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -34-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Silverberry?
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots. Keep soil evenly moist during the first growing season; once established, Elaeagnus is drought tolerant and needs supplemental water only in extended dry spells.
How Much Light Does Silverberry Need?
Thrives in full sun for the densest growth and best flowering, but tolerates partial shade well.
What Is the Best Soil for Silverberry?
Adapts to sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as drainage is reasonable; prefers a pH of about 6.0-7.5 and dislikes constantly waterlogged ground.
What Pot Should You Use for Silverberry?
Not typically container-grown long-term; if potted, use a large, well-draining container.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 365 days
What Is Silverberry and Where Does It Come From?
Elaeagnus is a genus of hardy shrubs and small trees prized for their silvery, scaly foliage and small, fragrant fall flowers followed by edible berry-like drupes. Native across temperate Asia, Europe, and North America, the genus includes both evergreen species (such as E. pungens) and deciduous species (such as E. umbellata and E. commutata), all sharing a tough, adaptable constitution.
How to Propagate Silverberry?
Semi-hardwood cutting
Bottom heat and a humidity dome speed rooting; keep the medium moist but never soggy.
- 1 Take a 10-15cm semi-hardwood cutting from a healthy side shoot in mid-to-late summer
- 2 Strip leaves from the lower half and dip the cut end in rooting hormone
- 3 Insert into a free-draining mix of perlite and peat and keep humid
- 4 Pot on once roots form and a light tug meets resistance
Materials needed:
Seed propagation
Germination is slow and uneven; cuttings are more reliable for named cultivars.
- 1 Clean pulp from ripe fruit and collect the seed
- 2 Cold-stratify seed in moist sand for 60-90 days
- 3 Sow in well-drained potting mix in spring
- 4 Keep evenly moist until germination
Materials needed:
How Big Does Silverberry Grow?
TLDR: Silverberry can reach up to 6.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
6.0m
Spread
5.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Culinary Uses
- Some species (e.g. autumn olive, cherry silverberry) produce edible, tart-sweet berries used in jams and preserves
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Silverberry?
TLDR: Silverberry is susceptible to 10 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Canker
Canker is a disease caused by various fungi and bacteria that create necrotic, sunken areas on bark of branches, stems, and trunks. Pathogens enter through wounds and natural openings, especially when plants are stressed. Canker can gradually weaken or kill branches by disrupting water and nutrient flow.
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease caused primarily by the fungi Verticillium dahliae and V. albo-atrum. These pathogens infect plant roots and grow within the vascular tissues, blocking water and nutrient transport, resulting in wilting and eventual plant death. The disease affects over 350 plant species including vegetables, fruits, ornamental flowers, and trees. The fungi can survive in soil for more than 10 years as resistant structures called microsclerotia.
Rust
Rust is a common fungal disease caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales that affects a wide variety of plants. The disease gets its name from the characteristic orange, yellow, or reddish-brown pustules that appear on leaves, resembling metal rust. This obligate fungal parasite requires living plants to survive and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural crops.
Fun Facts
Some Elaeagnus species have nitrogen-fixing root nodules, allowing them to thrive in poor soils
The tiny fall flowers are intensely fragrant despite being inconspicuous
Silvery scales covering the leaves and stems give the genus its common name
Frequently asked questions
Is Elaeagnus toxic to pets?
Does Elaeagnus need full sun?
How often should I water Elaeagnus?
What diseases affect Elaeagnus?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
