Silverberry
Elaeagnus commutata · Elaeagnaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around silverberry and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Flowers
- Small, tubular, silver on the outside, pale yellow inside, very fragrant
- Mature size
- 6.5 to 10 feet tall × 5 to 8 feet wide
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-40°C)
- Origin
- North America (West)
- Soil type
- Poor, well-drained soils, tolerates dry and alkaline soils
Care
Watering
Once established, silver-berry tolerates drought very well and needs practically no watering. At planting time, water regularly for the first two years to encourage root establishment. In very arid climates or in containers, occasional summer watering is sufficient.
Light Exposure
Plant your silver-berry in full sun for optimal growth and generous flowering. It also tolerates partial shade but will be less vigorous. Avoid overly shaded locations that reduce flowering and fragrance.
Soil
Silver-berry thrives in poor, well-drained soils, even chalky or alkaline ones. It adapts to dry, rocky terrain where few other plants succeed. Improve drainage if your soil is heavy or stays wet in winter.
Pruning and Training
Little pruning is needed; prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape if desired. You can rejuvenate an old plant by cutting it back hard in spring. Avoid severe pruning, which weakens the shrub.
Fertilizer
Silver-berry is undemanding and often thrives on natural soil nutrients. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient; avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and Pests
Very hardy and rarely affected by diseases. Watch for excessive winter moisture, which can promote root rot. Pests are uncommon. An excellent plant for low-maintenance gardens.
Did you know?
Silver-berry produces small, reddish, highly fragrant berries in autumn that are sought after by birds and small mammals. In its native range in North America, this shrub plays an important ecological role for wildlife. Its roots host symbiotic bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen, allowing it to thrive on the poorest soils.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Sea buckthornHippophae rhamnoides
- Russian oliveElaeagnus angustifolia
- Cherry silverberryElaeagnus multiflora
- Elaeagnus ebbingeiElaeagnus ebbingei
- Autumn oliveElaeagnus umbellata
- Canadian buffalo berryShepherdia canadensis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.