6 gardener saves
Elaeagnus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Elaeagnus varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedViveleg Ebbing's Silverberry
Elaeagnus ebbingei 'Viveleg'
#2 most savedThorny Olive
Elaeagnus pungens
#3 most savedEbbing's Silverberry
Elaeagnus ebbingei
How to grow Elaeagnus
What the Elaeagnus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Elaeagnus year
- PlantMarch, September and October100% of varieties
Fall planting is ideal in warmer climates, allowing roots to establish over winter.
- PruneMarch and July100% of varieties
Prune in spring to shape and remove any winter damage. Shear hedges in summer.
Do
- Provide deep, infrequent waterings once established to encourage drought tolerance.
- Prune out any solid green branches that appear, cutting them back to their origin.
- Use as a hedge in tough, exposed locations where other plants might fail.
- Plant where you can appreciate the surprise autumn fragrance.
- Prune to shape and encourage density.
Avoid
- Do not plant in constantly wet or boggy soil.
- Avoid over-fertilizing; this plant fixes its own nitrogen and thrives in poor soil.
- Be aware of its potential for invasiveness in some regions (e.g., the Southeast US).
- Don't hesitate to prune hard to rejuvenate an overgrown shrub.
What goes wrong with Elaeagnus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Elaeagnus Sucker | Distorted new growth, sticky honeydew on leaves. | Generally not severe enough to warrant control. A strong jet of water can dislodge them. Insecticidal soap can be used if necessary. |
| Scale Insects | Small, immobile bumps on stems and leaves, sometimes with sticky honeydew. | Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season. For heavy infestations, use a systemic insecticide. |
| Fungal Leaf Spot | Brown or black spots on leaves, can occur in overly wet conditions. | Improve air circulation through pruning, avoid overhead watering, and remove heavily affected leaves. |
| Leaf Spot | Fungal spots on leaves, can cause some defoliation. | Improve air circulation. Rake up and destroy fallen leaves. Generally a cosmetic issue that does not require chemical treatment. |
Making more Elaeagnus
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings in mid-summer.
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Place in a well-draining medium like sand or perlite.
- Keep moist; they root fairly easily in 6-8 weeks.
Semi-hardwood Cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings in mid-summer to early autumn.
- Select stems that are firm but still flexible.
- Remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone.
- Insert into a well-drained rooting medium.
- Provide bottom heat for best results; roots form in 8-10 weeks.
Elaeagnus questions
How many types of Elaeagnus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Elaeagnus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 6 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Elaeagnus grow in?
Across its varieties, Elaeagnus covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Elaeagnus bloom?
Most Elaeagnus varieties bloom in early fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Elaeagnus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Elaeagnus shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Elaeagnus in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
