Gilt Edge Silverberry Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Gilt Edge' (v)

Water

The Oleaster 'Gilt Edge' should be watered deeply, ensuring that the water reaches the root zone, about once a week during its growing season in spring and summer. During the cooler months of fall and winter, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, depending on the weather and soil moisture levels. When watering, use approximately 1-2 gallons of water per session for a newly planted Oleaster, ensuring you adjust the amount as the plant grows and establishes. Be sure to avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and prevent potential disease issues. It's crucial to ensure the plant is in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.

Light

The Oleaster 'Gilt Edge' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates. The ideal spot for this plant would be in an area that gets bright, indirect light for the remainder of the day, such as the eastern or western side of a garden or landscape.

Temperature

The Oleaster 'Gilt Edge' is hardy and adapts well to a range of temperature conditions, preferring to grow in temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 10°F but might suffer leaf damage. During the winter, it's important to provide some protection from severe frosts, especially for younger plants.

Pruning

The Oleaster 'Gilt Edge' benefits from pruning to maintain its shape and encourage dense growth; however, it does not require heavy pruning. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Lightly trim back any wayward or broken branches and shape the plant as desired. Significant pruning should be done every few years to rejuvenate older plants.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Gilt Edge Silverberry prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, sand, and organic matter. The pH should range between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Gilt Edge Silverberry is a large shrub and does not typically require repotting as it is usually planted directly in the ground.

Humidity & Misting

Gilt Edge Silverberry tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade; shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Gilt Edge', commonly known as Gilt Edge Silverberry, starts its life cycle with seed germination, although it is more commonly propagated by cuttings. Once established, it enters a vigorous vegetative growth phase, developing a dense, bushy form with glossy, variegated leaves that have a distinctive edge of yellow or gold. During the maturity stage, the plant produces small, fragrant flowers, typically in late autumn or early winter, which are less noticeable due to being hidden by the foliage. Following pollination, Gilt Edge Silverberry may produce small fruits, albeit fruiting is inconsistent in garden settings. The plant continues to grow and can reach an ultimate height and spread of 2-3 meters. As it ages, it requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and health and can live many years with proper care in temperate climates.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early spring

• Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Gilt Edge', commonly known as Gilt Edge Silverberry, is often propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings for propagation is in the late summer. To propagate through this method, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a piece that is approximately 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) long. The cut section should have several leaves but the lower third of the cutting should have all leaves removed. The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and then planted in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining medium. The cutting needs to be kept in a humid environment with indirect light and the medium should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can gradually acclimate to less humid conditions before transplanting.