Elaeagnus ebbingei (Ebbinge's Silverberry)

Elaeagnus Ebbingei Care

Hardy from USDA Zones 7-11.

Plant in Full Sun for best results. Too little sunlight will result in less plentiful foliage and less blooms/berries.

Prefers light soil with good drainage, although it can adapt to many different soil types and qualities.

Water 2-3 times per week during the first growing season to help it get off on the right foot in your landscape. 1-2 waterings a week during the second growing season should be plenty. Afterward, it proves itself to be remarkably water-wise.

Fertilize with a slow-release balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth sprouts to keep it happy and healthy.

Review your plant's information on our website or the tag that comes with it. Be mindful of sunlight preferences, soil type, and spacing needs.

Planting Instructions

1. Select a location that receives full sun for the best foliage density, flower production, and overall growth. Partial shade is tolerated, but may reduce blooming and berry yield.
   
2. While Elaeagnus adapts to a wide range of soil types, it thrives in light, well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay or poorly draining, amend it with compost or sand to improve aeration and drainage.
   
3. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the plant’s root ball. This gives the roots room to spread while ensuring the plant is seated at the right depth.
   
4. Gently remove the plant from its container and loosen the roots. Place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil and firm it in gently to eliminate air pockets.
   
5. Water deeply immediately after planting to help settle the soil and hydrate the roots. Continue watering 2–3 times per week for the first growing season.
   
6. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

Using Ebbing's Silverberry in the landscape

Elaeagnus × submacrophylla ‘Ebbingei’ is best used in the landscape where privacy, structure, and resilience are key. Its dense, fast-growing habit makes it ideal for hedges, windbreaks, and natural privacy screens along property lines or fence rows. It also shines as a backdrop for flowering shrubs or as a standalone specimen in larger gardens, where its silvery foliage and fragrant fall blooms add year-round interest. Thanks to its impressive salt and drought tolerance, it’s a smart choice for coastal landscapes, sloped plantings, and tough spots where other evergreens may struggle.

Spacing Your Elaeagnus Ebbingei

Space Elaeagnus × submacrophylla ‘Ebbingei’ plants 5 to 7 feet apart when planting as a hedge or privacy screen to allow their branches to fill in naturally and create a dense barrier. For individual specimen plantings, allow 8 to 10 feet of space around the plant to accommodate its mature size and encourage full, even growth.