Elaeagnus × ebbingei 'Gilt Edge'

Variegated Hybrid Elaeagnus

Evergreen Shrub

"Outstanding Qualities
The leaves of this evergreen shrub are dynamite, with the sharp contrast between their dark green centers and brilliant gold margins. The new leaves are coated with silvery scales, these remain thick beneath the mature leaves but thin to dots on upper leaf surfaces. In October, small, silver-scaly flowers hide in the branches of 'Gilt Edge', but their presence is revealed by the exquisite fragrance that floats on the autumn air. Like other Eleagnus, this is extremely adaptable, growing in full sun or part shade. It is drought tolerant and can be used as screening or hedging. Plant it as an accent plant, to brighten a dark spot, or use it in a mixed border with other shrubs and perennials.

Culture Notes
This tough and adaptable shrub will grow in full sun to deep shade in well-drained soils, although it will tolerate sandy or clay soils if they are not waterlogged. Once established it is drought tolerant, but in competitive situations it appreciates occasional watering during the driest weather. If all-green leaves appear prune out the branch to keep the variegation uniform. In dappled and deep shade it rarely flowers. In sunny locations pruning is best in winter, early spring and early summer to keep from removing flower buds. It is resistant to damage from salt-laden air."  —Courtesy Great Plant Picks

Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10

Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Full Shade, Part Shade, Deep Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Occasional

Description

Size: 72 - 144 tall x 72 - 144 wide
Shape / Form: Rounded
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Attractive Foliage, Fragrant, Attracts Bees, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Flexible Culture, Low Maintenance, Winter Interest, Year-round Interest

Foliage Color: Variegated, Yellow / Gold, Green
Leaf Shape: Elliptical

Flower Color: Insignificant, Ivory / Cream
Bloom Season: Fall, Oct


Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Banks and Slopes, Hedges and Screens, Mixed Border, Structure / Foundation
Special Situations: Deep Shade, Seaside / Salt Tolerant, Tough / Fool-Proof
Wildlife: Bees

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Year-round Interest, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: back drop
Plant Behavior: Reverting Growth
Collections: Great Plant Pick

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: medium

Plant Combos