Elaeagnus Hybrid Species, Ebbinge's Silverberry, Oleaster, Russian Olive

This fast-growing hybrid has its qualities, even if it's less than perfect. It's basically a thornless, non-invasive, and less cold hardy...Read More, version of Elaeagnus Pungens. I planted six tiny specimens in early spring last year. They survived my neglect, doubled in size, and bloomed in autumn. The small white flowers have a lovely fragrance I think is like Dove soap. Other say it has a hint of cinnamon. After the second growing season, they're are about four feet tall. They seem to like full sun even if they tolerate part shade. I'd recommend them as an informal hedge, but wouldn't add them to a high-profile part of a landscape considering the loose growth habit. Long, spindly shoots spout straight up and then arch toward the sun. Here in the Virginia Piedmont (zone 7a), they also aren't fully evergreen in harsh winters. And with our heavy deer pressure, about a third of the leaves were eaten over winter. The plants did bounce back with abandon, sending out new shoots where the leaves were. Once they grow a bit more, I'm hoping our honey bees will discover them and have one last snack of nectar just before winter. Although I haven't seen reviews from beekeepers specifically about Silverberry, I'm optimistic because the Elaeagnus genus overall is one of the best for bees. The edible fruit are a nice bonus, although they're said not to be a reliable producer. From what I've read it's not likely to be invasive because the seeds rarely germinate.

There are few shrubs in coastal districts that will take high winds better than this one. Short of being physically ripped out of...Read More the ground by gales, it will grow pretty much anywhere without complaint. A real survivor.

Has done well in soils up to PH 8.0 in my experience and not sure about reports of it being invasive - the seed is very slow and irregular to germinate. On that point is the only downside for me: an unwillingness to fruit in milder areas unless there's a proper winter freeze.

A very drought tolerant plant that produces large amounts of berries. The berries are very astringent until they are very ripe and then b...Read Moreecome sweet with a cantalope after taste. They say they are self fertile but I think they produce more with two. They say the seed is edible but I crunched into one and they were kinda bitter. They say invasive so take care.