Elaeagnus Ebbingei: What you Need to Know | Hedging UK
Elaeagnus ebbingei, also known as Ebbing’s Silverberry, is a vigorous, evergreen shrub known for its resilience, fast growth, and silvery foliage. Originally a hybrid of Elaeagnus macrophylla and Elaeagnus pungens, it has become a popular choice in UK gardens for hedging and screening due to its hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
Below is some useful information about using Elaeagnus ebbingei for hedges, or take a look at our Elaeagnus Hedging Plants for sale.
Elaeagnus ebbingei Description:
Growth Habit:
Elaeagnus ebbingei is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can reach a height of 3 to 5 metres (10 to 16 feet) if left untrimmed. It is typically maintained as a dense, bushy hedge when pruned regularly.
Foliage:
The leaves are leathery and oval, with a dark green upper surface and distinctive silvery undersides that shimmer in the wind. Young foliage often appears with a coppery tint. The foliage provides an attractive contrast and creates a dense screen for privacy.
Flowers and Fruits:
In autumn, Elaeagnus ebbingei produces small, highly fragrant, creamy-white flowers that are often hidden within the foliage but emit a powerful, sweet scent. These are followed in spring by small, edible orange berries, although fruiting is not always prolific in colder climates.
Sunlight and Soil Requirements:
Elaeagnus ebbingei thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates poor soils, including dry, sandy, and chalky conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and is highly tolerant of salt, wind, and pollution, making it ideal for coastal and urban environments.
Hedge Pruning:
This shrub responds well to trimming and can be pruned into both formal and informal hedge shapes. Pruning is best carried out in late spring or early autumn, and occasional light trims throughout the year will encourage denser growth.
Maintenance:
Elaeagnus ebbingei is considered low-maintenance. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and doesn’t require frequent watering. However, applying a balanced fertiliser in spring can help encourage vigorous growth and flowering.
Hardiness:
Elaeagnus ebbingei is fully hardy in the UK and can tolerate temperatures as low as around -15°c. It is well suited to exposed sites, including coastal and windy areas.
Toxicity:
While the plant is generally considered non-toxic, it’s best to avoid ingestion of large quantities of berries, especially for children and pets, as they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Where is the Best Place to Plant an Elaeagnus ebbingei Hedge?
Light Requirements:
Plant Elaeagnus ebbingei in a position that receives full sun or partial shade. It is one of the best shrubs for challenging sites and can even thrive in deep shade, although growth may be slower.
Soil Type:
It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including poor and sandy soils. It is especially valuable in coastal gardens where salt-laden winds may affect other plants.
Space and Size:
Given its potential size and spread, allow sufficient room between plants to reach their mature form. Consider both height and width when planning your hedge.
Protection from Winds:
This plant is extremely wind-tolerant and can be used as a windbreak. Young plants may benefit from staking if planted in very exposed sites.
Accessibility:
Ensure there is adequate access for pruning, especially since it can grow quickly and become woody at the base if not properly maintained.
What Time of Year Do You Plant Elaeagnus ebbingei?
The best time to plant Elaeagnus ebbingei is in early spring or autumn, when conditions are mild and rainfall is more consistent. This timing allows the roots to establish before the demands of summer or winter.
If you plant during the summer, ensure the plants are watered regularly and provided with mulch to retain soil moisture.
How Far Apart to Plant Elaeagnus ebbingei for a Hedge?
Spacing depends on the size of the plants and how quickly you want them to form a dense screen. As a general guide:
- For smaller plants (40-60cm tall), space 45-60cm apart
- For larger plants (1 metre+), space 60-100cm apart
Closer spacing will result in faster hedge formation, while wider spacing will take longer but use fewer plants.
How Do I Plant Elaeagnus ebbingei?
Plant in well-draining soil, enrich the planting hole with organic compost, and water in well. Firm the soil around the base, and mulch to retain moisture. For best results, avoid planting in frozen or waterlogged ground.
How Far to Plant Elaeagnus from a Fence?
Leave a gap of around 60 to 90cm (2 to 3 feet) between the base of the plant and the fence. This allows room for maintenance and airflow, reducing the risk of mildew or rot on the shaded side.
How Fast Does Elaeagnus ebbingei Grow?
Elaeagnus ebbingei is considered a fast-growing shrub, typically adding 30 to 60cm (1 to 2 feet) in height per year under ideal conditions. With good care, it can form an effective hedge within 2 to 3 years.
How Big Does Elaeagnus ebbingei Get?
If left unpruned, it can reach heights of 4 to 5 metres (13 to 16 feet) and a similar spread. However, as a hedge, it is usually maintained at 1.5 to 3 metres (5 to 10 feet) in height and 1 to 2 metres (3 to 6 feet) in width.
Is Elaeagnus ebbingei Hardy in the UK?
Yes, it is a hardy hedge across the UK and one of the best choices for exposed or coastal areas. It can tolerate frost, wind, and urban pollution.
Can You Keep Elaeagnus Small?
Yes, Elaeagnus can be pruned to maintain a smaller, more compact shape. Regular light trimming after flowering helps keep it dense and encourages branching.
Can Elaeagnus ebbingei Be Cut Back Hard?
Elaeagnus ebbingei tolerates hard pruning well, especially in early spring. If the plant becomes overgrown, it can be cut back to within a foot of the ground. It may look bare for a while, but it usually regenerates with fresh growth over the growing season.
How Do You Thicken an Elaeagnus Hedge?
To create a thicker hedge, follow these steps:
- Regular pruning to encourage branching and reduce legginess
- Balanced feeding in spring and early summer
- Consistent watering, especially in dry spells
- Trimming the sides to promote inward and outward growth
- Mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Which Grows Faster: Elaeagnus ebbingei or Portuguese Laurel?
Elaeagnus ebbingei has a slightly faster growth rate than Portuguese laurel, especially in poor soils or coastal conditions. Portuguese laurel tends to have a more formal appearance, while Elaeagnus offers greater resilience in harsher environments.
Do Elaeagnus Lose Their Leaves?
Elaeagnus ebbingei is an evergreen plant, meaning it retains its leaves year-round. You may see some older leaves drop in spring as new growth comes in, but overall, it remains leafy and dense even in winter.
Conclusion
Elaeagnus ebbingei is a versatile and robust evergreen shrub, perfect for hedging in both urban and rural settings. Its tolerance of tough conditions, combined with fragrant flowers, attractive foliage and fast growth, makes it a popular and reliable choice. With the proper planting and care, it can provide year-round structure, privacy, and visual interest in any garden.