I would like to find out something about a bush called elaeagnus. Can you tell me about it?
Elaeagnus is one of my favorite evergreen shrubs. I have a privacy hedge of Elaeagnus pungens planted along my south property line. If allowed, this shrub can grow quite large and it keeps its leaves year round, so it is perfect for creating living walls for enclosures.
During the fall Elaeagnus pungens produce tiny bell shaped flowers that perfume the air with a sweet fragrance. These blooms are followed by small brown fruits that ripen to red. The leathery leaves are gray-green on top and silver underneath. The stems of new growth are whip-like with a wonderful cinnamon brown bark. I like to cut these to use in arrangements with other flowers. They also make an impressive statement when the stems are cut long and placed solo in a large vase or urn.
Elaeagnus pungens is a tender shrub that is only cold hardy from zone 7 – 9. It is heat tolerant in AHS heat zones 9 – 4. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, well drained, fertile soil. It is known to be drought tolerant and forgiving of coastal winds. Depending on the variety, you can expect this shrub to reach a maximum height of 15 feet.