Elaeagnus 'Maculata'

Elaeagnus Pungens is a fast-growing evergreen shrub, commonly known as Spotted Oleaster, Golden Elaeagnus or Silverthorn. This Japanese native plant will grow into a sturdy bush of a height up to 2.5 metres. It has slightly thorny branches that produce glossy dark green leaves with soft texture. Spotted Oleaster is a perfect hedging shrub adding winter interest to a garden.

It features bright foliage with irregular green margins and yellow patches in the centre. These leaves have silver undersides and some brown spotting at the bottom. Spotted Oleaster blooms small urn-shaped white flowers in autumn, with fragrance that will attract bees. The flowers are followed by brown fruits that will ripen and turn red in spring season.

Even though this fruit might not taste very delicious to you, birds will find them as a healthy source of food. The thorny branches of Spotted Oleaster will provide necessary protection and shelter for wildlife.

It is an easy to grow shrub that will require little pruning, cutting back into the older wood. Plant it in a well-drained evenly moist soil, at a location receiving full sun or partial shade.

These shrubs are most suitable as hedges or in screening slopes and walls, their foliage can be used for flowering arrangements as well.