Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata'

602-001D4 Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata' ( Variegated Silverberry )
Joy Creek Photo Archive (c) all rights reserved	Japan. It is the foliage of this selection that catches the eye first. The four-inch long, leathery leaves are glossy. They have golden yellow centers outlined dramatically in dark and light green. This pattern is variable with green streaks in the yellow and the margins varying in width. The undersides of the leaves are ghostly in appearance due to a layer of fine white hairs. Attractive reddish stems complement the foliage. There are thorn-like structures at many of the leaf-axils but they have never hurt us. The big surprise is the waxy flowers which are hidden in the foliage. When they open, they perfume the air with sweetness. You must be out in the garden in the autumn to enjoy them. At our own nursery, we grow this mid-sized evergreen shrub on a fairly dry hillside which is open to the sun most of the day. It has thrived there and makes a lovely backdrop to its neighboring plants. Autumn. 8 ft. x 8 ft. White flowers *Sun, Part Shade Zones 7, 8, 9*