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Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Limelight' (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

oleaster 'Limelight'

A variegated selection of this resilient shrub, having silvery young leaves that then develop irregular markings in dark green, lime green and gold (may fade to cream with exposure)

Other common names
Ebbinge's silverberry 'Limelight'
Synonyms
Elaeagnus × ebbingei 'Limelight'

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Cream Green Gold Variegated
Summer Cream Green Gold Variegated
Autumn Cream Cream Green Gold Variegated
Winter Cream Green Gold Variegated
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Elaeagnaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Elaeagnus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple, often silvery-scaled leaves, and small fragrant tubular flowers borne in clusters in the leaf axils, and followed by small juicy fruit

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade, tolerant of dry soils and coastal winds, may become chlorotic on shallow chalky soils

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 9. Remove reverted shoots as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to elaeagnus sucker damage

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot or leaf spot (fungal) see leaf damage on woody plants

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