Red Gem™ Goumi

Red Gem™ Goumi

Originally from the Russian Far East, Red Gem™ Goumi was brought to the Main Botanic Garden in Kiev, Ukraine. Valued for its productivity and high quality, very flavorful fruit.

Native to the Russian Far East, China and Japan, Goumi is a very popular fruit in these regions and is now widely planted in many European and American gardens. Goumi forms a medium size shrub growing to 6 ft in height with attractive, silvery green foliage. It’s white flowers bloom in the middle to the end of May and are very fragrant and loved by bees making it a fantastic pollinator. Aromatic with a flavor reminiscent of pie cherries, it is very good eaten fresh and also makes tasty preserves.

As with other species in the genus Elaeagnus, E. multiflora plants are actinorhizal, growing in symbiosis with the actinobacterium Frankia in the soil. These bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen, making it available in usable form for the host plant, and indirectly for other nearby plants. This feature allows the plant to grow in poorer soils than it could otherwise.

More information:

Latin Name: Elaeagnus multiflora
Site and Soil: Full to 1/2 day sun and well-drained soil.
Pollination Requirements: Partially self-fertile. Plant Red Gem™ with Sweet Scarlet™ for cross-pollination and heavier crops.
Hardiness: Hardy to minus 25° F.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 5-6 ft.
Taste: Flavorful, sweet-tart, juicy.
Fruit Skin: Red speckled with silver.
Flower Color: White.
Bloom Time: May.
Ripening Time: July.
Yield: 10-15 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 4-8.