Quicksilver Elaeagnus

Quicksilver Elaeagnus

A super silvery chance seedling from England’s Roy Lancaster, this fine shrub has proven incredibly tough and easy to grow, as with most in its genus. It is surprisingly hardy, all the way down to zone 4, can take heavy wind and some salt spray, and what really sets this one apart for us is its intoxicating flowers in spring. They have a heavenly vanilla aroma that can be enjoyed from many meters away. It also produces fruits after flowering, but we haven’t found them to be that appetizing. Only word of caution with this plant is that it does send out runners! So either plant in an area where it can spread, surround with other plants that buffer its spread, or dig the runners up to spread more of this very lovely plant.

Latin Name: Elaeagnus ‘Quicksilver’
Site and Soil: Full to 1/2 day sun and well-drained soil. Fairly drought tolerant once established.
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile.
Hardiness:  Hardy to minus 25° F.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 6-10 ft. high and about as wide.
Bloom Time: May-June.
Ripening Time: September.
Yield: 10-15 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Quicksilver Elaeagnus is not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 4-9