Elaeagnus x ebbingei 'Lannou' ELEADOR evergreen silverthorn
size/type
medium-sized shrub,medium-sized shrub
usual height
1,5-3m
usual width
1,5-2m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
less showy but noticeable
blooming time
September-October
location
full to partial sun
soil type
any (acidic to alkaline)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
7 (down to -23°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Elaeagnus
Evergreen silverthorn is a natural hybrid of e. macrophylla with large, evergreen, rather rounded leaves and vigorously growing e. pungens with narrower foliage and thorns. It is sometimes called Russian olive which is not correct as this name is already used for its deciduous sister e. angustifolia. It is described to have been discovered by a Dutch horticulturist Simon Doorenbos (1891-1980) who named it after another Dutch botanist J.W.E. Ebbinge in 1929. However, many years later it was pointed out that a Swiss botanist Camille Servettaz (1870-1947) found this mutation, too, and named it elaeagnus x submacrophylla already in 1909. In spite of that, the whole horticultural world still sticks to e. x ebbingei and we do, too, if you don’t mind.Description of the plant:
ELEADOR is a French variety of evergreen silverthorn with almost yellow leaves, margined dark green with light green highlights. They are leathery, but thinner than, for instance, those on cherry laurels which means fewer problems with water evaporation during cold winter months. As the emerge, they are a pale sandy beige and do not show their true colours until they reach a mature size in early summer. The undersides are silvery grey. But in winter, the colder it gets the deeper yellow they become, shining like a beacon in a sleeping garden. Young twigs start off orange-brown, gradually turning grey as they thicken and mature. They may occasionally have a few visible thorns, although some shrubs might completely lack them.Apart from the foliage this plant is also interesting for its almost invisible but very fragrant flowers. They are tiny and appear from late summer to early autumn. They have a lovely, sweet perfume that is distributed especially on sunny and warm afternoons and evenings. They are followed by edible fruit in spring (April-May). The oval fruit, about 1,5cm long, is deep red and tastes like sweeter dark cherries. It is best to let them ripen fully, at which point they begin to fall. The plant can hold its fruit only after mild winters.
ELEADOR is a fast-growing variety making 40-70 cm long twigs per year. However, it still looks good as the branches are upright and do not really spoil the plant’s habit. In any case, it can be pruned almost any time from spring till autumn. Spring pruning enhances branching and is best for rejuvenating of old shrubs, while summer shearing is good for shaping. It is soil adaptable but needs mulching in our climate to protect surface roots from heavy frost. We suggest planting it in winter shade in colder regions. Even after severe frosts it re-sprouts from healthy wood and makes long new branches. It will not live in boggy and wet conditions. Hardy to about -23°C (USDA zone 6). In frost-free periods provide extra watering on days when the ground is not frozen.
Last update 04-02-2008; 25-01-2012; 28-10-2024
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