Limelight Elaeagnus Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Limelight' (v)
ABOUT
Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Limelight', more commonly known as 'Limelight' oleaster or elaeagnus, is a striking ornamental shrub known for its distinctive foliage and ornamental appeal. Its leaves are characterized by a unique variegation pattern; the center of each leaf is painted with a splash of vibrant, lime-green color, which stands out against the darker green edges giving a lively, contrasting effect. The 'Limelight' oleaster's leaves aren't just a simple two-tone, however; they also have a leathery and glossy texture, which catches the light and adds a sheen to the shrub's appearance. This glossy surface contributes to the visual interest throughout the seasons. In terms of flowering and fragrance, 'Limelight' oleaster does not disappoint. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers that might be overlooked in terms of visual impact but they more than make up for it with their aroma. These flowers exude a delightful fragrance, which can be a pleasant surprise as it wafts through the air, particularly noticeable during the early spring to late summer. Following the blooming period, the plant may also bear fruits. The fruits are small and perhaps not as ornamentally significant as the other facets of the plant. They might be appreciated by birds and wildlife, adding an additional layer of appeal for nature lovers and those who enjoy attracting fauna to their gardens. Overall, 'Limelight' oleaster's attractive foliage with its splash of lime amidst a dark green backdrop, combined with its scented flowers and potential for fruit, make it a visually interesting and aesthetically pleasing plant that can serve as both a focal point and a sensory delight in an ornamental garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Limelight Elaeagnus, Limelight Oleaster.
Common names
Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Limelight' (v).
ToxicityTo humans
The Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Limelight', commonly known as Oleaster, does not have a well-documented profile of toxicity to humans. Generally, oleasters are not considered toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause a reaction in some people. If you suspect poisoning or have concerns after ingesting any part of the plant, it is advisable to consult healthcare professionals.
To pets
Oleaster is not known to be toxic to pets. Typical encounters with the plant should not cause significant concern for pet owners. However, consuming large amounts may potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in some pets. If any unusual symptoms appear after your pet has ingested Oleaster, it is recommended to seek veterinary advice.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Foliage: 'Limelight' has variegated leaves with a splash of yellow or lime green in the center, providing visual interest in the garden throughout the year.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond occasional pruning to maintain its desired shape and size.
- Tolerates Different Soil Types: Adapts well to a variety of soil conditions, which makes it suitable for diverse landscapes.
- Resilient Against Pests: Generally resistant to pests, resulting in fewer problems with insects and diseases.
- Coastal Conditions Adaptation: It is tolerant of salty winds, making it a good choice for coastal areas.
- Privacy Screen: Often used as a hedging plant, it can provide privacy and reduce noise when planted in a row or hedge.
- Attracts Wildlife: Produces fragrant flowers that can attract beneficial insects such as bees to the garden.
- Year-Round Interest: Offers visual interest throughout all seasons, with flowers in spring and berries in the fall.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Elaeagnus 'Limelight' is often used as a sound barrier in gardens due to its dense foliage, which can help to muffle noise from streets or neighbors.
- The variety can serve as a windbreak when planted in rows, offering protection to more delicate plants as well as reducing soil erosion caused by strong winds.
- Its robust nature allows for use in coastal areas, where its resistance to salt spray makes it an excellent choice for seaside gardens.
- The plant can be used in espalier form, trained to grow flat against a wall or fence for a decorative effect in spatially restricted areas.
- Beekeepers may find Elaeagnus 'Limelight' beneficial as it provides an extended flowering period, which means a longer season of pollination for bees.
- This cultivar can be used in topiary gardens for sculpting into various shapes, offering creativity and structure to garden designs.
- It can act as a natural outdoor screen around patios or sitting areas, providing privacy while adding an attractive foliage display.
- In wildlife gardens, Elaeagnus 'Limelight' can offer habitat and shelter for birds, supporting biodiversity.
- The plant's durability against urban pollution makes it suitable for green urban installations, such as roadside plantings or green walls.
- As a companion plant, it can benefit neighboring plants by helping to deter some pests with its dense branches and foliage, without competing too aggressively for nutrients.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Oleaster 'Limelight' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Oleaster 'Limelight' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Elaeagnus 'Limelight,' commonly known as 'Limelight' Oleaster, is known for its tough nature, able to thrive in poor soils and withstand drought, symbolizing the ability to endure and persist through hard times.
- Versatility: The 'Limelight' Oleaster's adaptability to different environmental conditions represents flexibility and the ability to thrive in different situations.
- Protection: With its dense foliage, the 'Limelight' Oleaster provides shelter for wildlife, representing a haven or protective barrier against adversity.
- Growth and Vitality: The vigorous growth habit of the 'Limelight' Oleaster signifies vitality and the constant pursuit of growth, both physically and in personal development.
- Diversity: The variegated leaves of the plant, with their green and yellow colors, symbolize diversity and the beauty of combining different elements to create something unique and attractive.
WaterOleaster 'Limelight' prefers consistent moisture but is drought-tolerant once established. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, to encourage a strong root system. In the absence of rain, provide a gallon of water to ensure the soil around the plant is moist but not waterlogged. During the hotter months, you may need to increase the frequency, providing about 2 gallons per week to maintain hydration. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is less active, ensuring the root ball doesn't dry out completely.
LightOleaster 'Limelight' adapts well to different lighting conditions but thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can be planted in a location that receives at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. However, too much intense afternoon sun in hotter climates may require some protective shade. The ideal spot allows morning sunlight with dappled or filtered shade in the afternoon.
TemperatureOleaster 'Limelight' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, ideally growing in climates with temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 0°F and maximum temperatures up to about 100°F. The plant will perform best when the temperature does not frequently drop below freezing or soar into extremes of heat.
PruningOleaster 'Limelight' should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and thin the plant to allow light and air to penetrate the center. Cut back shoots that have outgrown the desired shape, and trim lightly throughout the year to maintain size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilOleaster 'Limelight' prefers well-draining soil with high organic matter content. A mix of equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand is ideal, maintaining a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingOleaster 'Limelight' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to prevent root bounding and to replenish the soil nutrients. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting.
Humidity & MistingOleaster 'Limelight' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate humidity conditions without the need for special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cycleElaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Limelight', commonly known as the 'Limelight' Elaeagnus, starts its life as a seed or through vegetative propagation, often by cuttings. Upon germination or rooting, the plant enters a juvenile growth phase, where it focuses energy on developing a robust root system and foliage; the 'Limelight' is characterized by its variegated leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the adult vegetative stage, where it continues to grow in size and spread, forming dense bushes with woody stems. This evergreen shrub typically flowers in the fall, with small, fragrant, silvery flowers that are inconspicuous yet attract pollinators. Following pollination, if conditions permit, it produces fruit in the form of small, red berries enjoyed by birds, thus completing its reproductive cycle. The plant can then continue to live and grow for many years, exhibiting seasonal growth and dormancy stages in colder climates.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Elaeagnus × submacrophylla 'Limelight', commonly known as Oleaster 'Limelight', is semi-hardwood cuttings. This is ideally done in late summer when the current season's growth has matured enough to be slightly firm but still flexible. A cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length is taken, and the lower leaves are removed to expose a few nodes. It's important to make a clean cut just below a node, as this is where root growth is most likely to initiate. The cut end can be treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development, then planted in a well-draining potting mix or into a flat designated for propagation. Keeping the cuttings under a plastic dome or in a propagator to maintain high humidity helps to prevent the cutting from drying out before it can establish roots. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, brightly lit area but out of direct sunlight until they have rooted, which can take several weeks.
