Elaeagnus ebbingei 'Viveleg'
shrub RHS Award

Viveleg Ebbing's Silverberry

Elaeagnus ebbingei 'Viveleg'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

20-40 years

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

A tough, fast-growing, evergreen hybrid shrub known for its durability and tolerance of difficult conditions, including drought, salt spray, and a wide range of soils. 'Viveleg' is a striking variegated cultivar with leaves that feature a bright yellow center and irregular dark green margins. It also produces small, intensely fragrant flowers in autumn.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThe bright, variegated foliage provides a bold splash of year-round color, making it an excellent plant for brightening up shady corners or serving as a focal point. It brings light and texture to the garden in all four seasons.
Practical UsesIts extreme toughness, fast growth, and dense habit make it an ideal choice for creating a quick privacy hedge or screen. It is highly tolerant of salt spray, making it invaluable for coastal gardens. It is also very deer resistant.
Ecological BenefitsThe small, inconspicuous autumn flowers are intensely fragrant and provide a late-season nectar source for pollinators. The shrub's dense, evergreen nature offers excellent cover and protection for birds during the winter.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site in sun or shade; variegation is best with some sun.
  2. Plant in almost any well-drained soil.
  3. Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
  4. Set the plant in the hole at the same depth it was in the pot.
  5. Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water well.
  6. Water regularly for the first season until it is well-established.

Pro Tip

Prune regularly to maintain density and shape, as its fast growth can lead to a leggy appearance if left unchecked.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Prune out any solid green branches that appear, cutting them back to their origin.
  • Provide deep, infrequent waterings once established to encourage drought tolerance.
  • Use as a hedge in tough, exposed locations where other plants might fail.
  • Plant where you can appreciate the surprise autumn fragrance.

Don't

  • 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.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright evergreen hedge or privacy screenDurable foundation planting for year-round colorTough accent for coastal or difficult sites

Companion Plants

Loropetalum chinense 'Ruby' Nandina domestica 'Firepower' Mahonia bealei Phormium tenax Cistus purpureus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Viveleg Ebbing's Silverberry questions

What zones can Viveleg Ebbing's Silverberry grow in?

Viveleg Ebbing's Silverberry is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Viveleg Ebbing's Silverberry deer resistant?

Yes — Viveleg Ebbing's Silverberry is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Viveleg Ebbing's Silverberry bloom?

Viveleg Ebbing's Silverberry typically blooms in early fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Viveleg Ebbing's Silverberry need full sun?

Viveleg Ebbing's Silverberry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Viveleg Ebbing's Silverberry drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Viveleg Ebbing's Silverberry handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Viveleg Ebbing's Silverberry with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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