How to grow Elaeagnus Pungens (Silverberry) with a detailed description

[@nm9330]

I love the way he holds onto it the whole time and even gets a little out of breath. Put the tree down dude! 😂😂

[@lizjoe21750]

I bought a 1qt plant about a week ago. I placed the pot in partial shade, still haven't thrown it in the ground, and it already had at least 6in of growth on it. I'm in zone 6b.😆 I can't wait to block my neighbors with this thing!

[@olddominionangler3273]

Plant it upside down and park your car on top. That was hilarious sir! Great video!

[@Ardlp01223]

“If you can’t grow this plant, you might want to change your hobby.” I found that funny also. I just bought one today because the silvery leaves. And this will tell me if I have the right hobby. Lol

[@htimsregor540]

THAT was funny

[@asupremum1246]

My grandfather planted this shrub for the berries. His grandmother used to make jam from the fruit.

[@AluminumCloud74]

I have 3 of these as foundation plants, planted by the home builder 13 years ago. I've cut them almost all the way to the ground when they've gotten unruly and they come back wonderfully. Very pretty as a manicured hedge or as individual plants growing more naturally, either way they are different from everything else in the landscape. I even just planted two more under my bathroom window for extra privacy and security.

[@TheEnchantedWoodnymph1111]

The fruit on the Eleagnus is Delicious! And the seeds kind of taste like a peanut.

[@aussiegirls8507]

Mine grew on the beach in Daytona with an east wind, VERY hardy, lived through 4 hurricanes as a hedge, 8 ft tall, grew fast, and attracted songbirds. I never noticed any odor. I never used mulch of any kind. Plant away from any borders about 1-2 feet as it will fill out nicely. I never watered it after the first month.

[@larrylittle5930]

Thanks for the detailed information. I like the carefree nature of elaeagnus and have read the shrub fixes nitrogen on the roots. For me it is doing fine in part shade.

[@learningasigo1269]

Thank you. I watch your videos over and over again because there’s so much information that you provide on each plant. I have seven olive martini eleagnus but now I’m looking to add eleagnus pungens for quick screening. I don’t want to wait 5-10 years for screening to occur. All the best!!

[@seaberryfarm3191]

Great hedge plant! It’s not a weed where we live…The fruit is better than currants or gooseberries. It’s a nitrogen fixer-so it fertilizes other plants nearby - you forgot to mention that.

[@asupremum1246]

Well if you cut it back yearly and let the prunnings decompose on the ground. The prunnings will attract beneficial organisms that add nutrients to the soil and the act of prunning will cause the plant to shed some of its roots which adds organic matter to the soil even more.

[@charoleherring5118]

I just got some trees cut down in my yard and now I’m looking right at my neighbors so I bought elaeagnus plants 🌱

[@candiceharris5572]

Me too! 😅

[@truthbetold2611]

A seasoned gardener just gifted two of this plant to me that's gifted to her earlier. She said she didn't have room for it. Looking for any merit of trying to fit it into my small garden, I'm doing some research and have found very interesting information. Thank you for sharing. I think I may grow one in a big pot and let it be for a few years. Having gojis pop up all over my garden and in a window well I know what invasive means to a gardener. But I just can't resist a fruiting plant!

[@americanlocation2011]

Thanks for the overview, very helpful. Im in the VA piedmont and planted a bunch of them underneath an old deciduous hedgerow that Im planning to cut down because its...decidous! (I screwed up, thought it was an evergreen). These Elaeagnus have grown slowly in partial shade underneath for the past 3 years, theyre still only @5' tall. Next year Ill finally remove the old hedgerow since the EP by then should fill in the space. I have 2 other EP's planted in the shade of a large holly tree, only get 3-4 hrs of direct sun, theyve grown faster, after 3 years theyre up to 6' h x 4'w. Ive never fertilized, theyre pretty tough and provide a nice privacy screen.

[@richdavis4007]

Great plant. I've used it in SC, MS, and now AL. If you don't like your neighbors, put a wall of this between you! Bushes are kind of stickery. Fruitlandi is one variety I had that smelled great.

[@susanensley2704]

That settles it! I want a screening plant on the west side of my large dog fence; was trying to root some cuttings but think I'll go ahead and purchase some. Great information!

[@drumttocs8]

These things are invasive in Georgia... and are therefore awesome screening plants! Evergreen, can be formed into hedges, fruit tastes good, and has false thorns!

[@restoretheearth2829]

Thank you for this video. My elaeagnus is telling me it wants more space. They are also medicinal. Just found that out!❤🌳💚

[@luannequiles5791]

How so? I just planted two for the berries, but hadn’t heard about the medicinal uses

[@debrab4729]

I normally hate this bush because it grows so fast and to keep it neat you have to trim it several times a year. Don't get me wrong it is a beautiful bush, but just grows crazy in all directions. I have a spot where I need a fast screen 15 feet tall and it is dappled shade. It finally dawned on me, plant that silver bush that I hate only because it grows in all directions so fast. Yes buying this for my screen. My property backs up to a barn and the person keeps heavy equipment stored all over. This will work great.

[@originaldeftom]

Great review on a great plant. Just planted 2 of those at the end of my terraced sloping garden to give it substance, density and good rooting stability structure. Love the plants and they are coming on strong!

[@MK-js2ri]

May I ask how big they are now? I recently planted some and I am really hoping for some fast growth.

[@southwesthardypalms]

This plant does surprisingly well in the desert! It is somewhat common in Salt Lake City, Utah (zone 7b) and does great. E. pungens is extremely common in Southern Utah though, one of the most common evergreen shrubs. These guys take 110° - 115° (even higher sometimes), and are very drought tolerant! They do seem to really appreciate part shade in the Southwest though, although they can be grown in full sun if irrigated more.

[@travisjicorcoran5870]

Have some of these growing wild along an old logging road on my farm. I'm clearing random garbage saplings in the area to expand my orchard, but found these and are keeping them. ...might add a bit of trellising to keep them from blocking the logging road.

[@StevenScone]

Great screening plant. Not sure when ours was planted, but its 16ft tall by at least 10ft wide. Beautiful all year and very fragrant in the fall. I have a cedar beside i have to keep it from growing into. Other than that great for where its planted.

[@smhmay1973]

Thank You! It was very helpful. I plan to plant some as a privacy hedge.

[@maxchilltrax]

Hey Jim! What time of the year should I prune the bush so I still get flowers and berries. I’ve had a HUGE one for 10 years and for the first time it flowered last October after I cut down a huge dying Tulip Poplar tree next to it and now I see berries in February. It’s about 10 feet tall and 10-12 feet wide and about 5 ft deep. I want to prune it back to about 2-3 feet deep. What time of hear should I do that??

[@deborahcheadle5094]

Jim's videos are fantastic! Thank you!!

[@JimPutnam]

+Deborah Cheadle Thank you

[@BBHubbs]

Hi, Jim! I just discovered your channel, today, and can't get enough! You've, already, provided me with a wealth of information that will be very helpful while planning the garden. I look forward to seeing what else awaits me in your playlists. I just want you to know that I appreciate these videos and as a complete gardening newbie, they are better than gold! Please keep them coming and thank you!

[@JimPutnam]

Thank you very much. Glad to help.

[@richardcarr7702]

Jim, when you mention growing zones, would you kindly insert a few seconds of the map with the zones? Thanks!

[@elsiepowers2338]

# reply Good morning Mr. Jim I learned a lot about the Elaeagnus from you today not sure if I want to grow it cuz you said the birds Spread their seeds, and then they'll just grow everywhere plus if you don't keep them trimmed they can get really big. Anyway I'm glad I found you today look But we're just seeing more of your videos thank you so much for sharing ♥

[@mckaycc60]

I just planted 16 as a screen for my Dog yard I'm hoping they grow fast, if so I'll do the other fences

[@roncarpio5277]

please do a video of propagation from cuttings.thanks

[@noahparker462]

I'm having trouble keeping my silverberry healthy. Seems like it needs water. I put in some oullas into the soil next to each of my four plants. Hoping to get each plant about 6 feet wide and 10 feet tall to create a hedge. Any tips? I've had it in for about 6 months and haven't gotten much growth. Thanks!

[@noahparker462]

It's in full sun all day behind my fence

[@jjhunter4097]

Mr. Putnam I very much liked your video but need more detail as to how to start from cuttings. I have tried for 2 yrs and have never got one to root, (about 100 each year) could you please advise the secret. thanks jj

[@kasia5775]

How far from or close to a fence should I plant this plant as a screen plant? To be maintained at 8 feet?

[@martis2126]

Great video! I planted 15 of the Elaeagnus ebbingie in sandy soil a month ago. The leaf tips start to wilt after about 4 days in this South Texas heat. So its a real challenge not to overwater to accomodate. Should I be concerned about the new little leaves at the tips that are curled with spiders living in them?

[@michelleschultz2283]

How do they do if they are dug up and transplanted? Have several that I’d like to remove and my sister wants them, would they do well to relocate them? They range in size 4-8 ft tall.

[@egrocket94]

Can I cut mine back to knee level during the winter? Mine has gotten 10ft tall and outta control. I have 4 planted together for privacy

[@MrsPattyann12]

So helpful. I will NOT be planting this Asian shrub in my Missouri landscape. Plant native! Subscribed!

[@CherryIofficial]

does this help save soil erosion?

[@nancy4994]

Hi just bought this for it’s berries to eat.. does it need a male and female for cross pollination or can it pollinate itself as I only bought one plant thanks

[@ericks4280]

haha I just bought two, i hope theyre tough as you say. the comment about parking the car on it is great, i may try that

[@tamiprice5556]

thank you for a wonderful review..

[@mejaydu]

And you (and the birds) can eat the berries! Yay!

[@911review]

i got one of these for $2 at Home Despot. (actually, its =Elaeagnus+x+ebbingei - A hybrid of - E. macrophylla x E. pungens ) the fruit are excellent tasting, although there is not much flesh on them. the seed is edible also, but the seed-case is woody... you can chew on it and get the seeds juice, and spit out the fiber. Elaeagnus are Nitrogen fixing plants and are good for the soil. leaves and twigs make good mulch too. i actually noticed this plant at my local bank as a hedge. its a good looking plant too, the underside of the leaves have a silver appearance, especially in the wind. oh yeah, and a little epsom salt greens up the leaves in spring. just a tablespoon twice a year is good for a 3-6ft plant.

[@michaelsullivan1216]

I'm shocked at how drought tolerant this plan has been. I planted 3 last year to create a small hedge between the woods on our property and the grass yard. I was looking for something with a thick growth habit to keep the deer out of our vegetable garden. I planted these last May. I basically just slapped them in holes. No mulch or anything. The soil in that area is filled with gravel stones and chunks of rotted wood from the previous owner using that area as a junk pile. We suffered one of the worse droughts this area has seen in about 20 years. The soil was so dry down to 3-4" that it was like powder and mowing the lawn produced dust clouds. A nearby oak tree lost all it's leaves from stress of hot weather and no rain, but these little plants were so resilient and never lost a single leaf. They have not grown much in the last 9 months and the deer eventually chewed on them in the fall, causing some damage, but they are still holding strong. I have since added some mulch and compost and really hoping they take off in the spring.

[@asdfghjklasdfghjkl4973]

Temperature reaches 48-49 degrees Celsius at my place will it grow and fruit at my place?

[@P_Belle]

Queston: compare va (z7) growth of silveryberry vs olive martini. Which tolerates only 4 hours direct sun?

[@colleenduke4466]

Where are others videos from this guy?

[@jeffh5388]

Your knowledge of the silverberry is very impressive. "plant upside down and park a car on it" - LMAO. Thank you. Very informative.

[@zackseppi1453]

Love these plants they grow so fast i live in zone 8b what do you recommend to complement this bush?

[@bigboychips]

Hey Jim, At the start of the video when you are standing holding the Elaeagnus Pungens, what is the plant on your left side (screen right)? Thanks a lot

[@HarmonyHillHomestead1]

Can you take cuttings and make new plants? How if so. Thank you i have a HUGE one i want to take some with me when i move

[@colleenduke4466]

Love your video! Just subscribed

[@mojavebohemian814]

Thank you.

[@mikej5571]

What spacing should I plant these?

[@erinakin8047]

@Mr Putnum My Eleagnus took a huge hit during the winter storm of 2021 near Ft Worth TX. They were planted in the Fall of 2020. I have several that are really struggling!! What recommendations do you have to help them thrive? They are North/South facing on a slope. Thanks.

[@alyssag5582]

I'm moving from my apartment and wondering how to take and grow cuttings ???

[@memartin2188]

I aquired some seeds from the fruit, can I just plant it like any other seed?

[@ngeltz]

While this plant is very drought tolerant it is not tolerant of water saturated soils. Soils which might contain any salt water (estuarine/saline) intrusion will seriously hinder this plants ability to survive. The fragrance from the small flowers is awesome. As stated it grows extremely fast.

[@mikederucki]

Would these be ok to plant next to a driveway due to the roots?

[@bettyhouk8727]

Think Northern Arizona is to hot and dry for this plant ? We are getting some rain 🌧 off and on this year (2018)

[@laurascorner9499]

Can I plant it in November here in Florida zone 9a?

[@Em-wi7ur]

We recently planted a hedge of these and watered them in 1-2 times a week and now they are all drooping and dropping yellow leaves! Any ideas?

[@Ericke-mx7ru]

I'm using this as a privacy hedge how far apart should I plant these

[@1aliveandwell]

Hi, have seen something similar near bus stop ( in so. California ). ~5'tall, flowers kinda white hidden, smells so good, never seen berries though. tiny red hairs on leaf. Could it be an Elaeaganus

[@youngsgarden8766]

Is it the same as goumi berry?!!

[@lja000]

I was walking toward my eleagnus hedgerow a few weeks ago to snip off a few long tails, and a black snake popped it’s head up from the top just checking things out! ... he won...I walked away.

[@marius.banuta]

How about Olive Martini Eleagnus ? What can you tell us about it ?

[@RandoQuestion]

Love your channel. I have an Eleagnus that is thin and yellow. It has new growth on it but is growing way slower than the other 15. I felt the ground around it and it was really wet. I have 2 others 4 ft away and they are great...how can I fix a wet footed plant area? Thanks

[@JimPutnam]

Really the only way to really fix it is to replant it higher. I have done it many times.

[@wotan10950]

Would you recommend this plant over the Olive Martini Elaeagnus for zone 6a? They both seem like they’d fit my needs - deer-resistant, fast growing, full sun, but cold winters.

[@maryhoffman9551]

But could these survive near mature maple trees?

[@phyllisjohnson4575]

What can't I plant that I will grow in shade as well as sun

[@leeanndoss1578]

My neighbor planted this up next to our fence (wood). It is growing through the fence and over it and he will not keep trimmed. Will this harm my fence if up against it? Is it capable of pushing up against my fence and/or rotting it?

[@phillee8257]

Yes it can do damage. I would at least cut everything back that comes through the fence.

[@DarthMasiah]

will these airlayer as well as privet? I'd like to collect a piece of one with a substantial trunk to pot up.

[@MikeHunt-lz2hq]

Yes layer in the fall

[@MikeHunt-lz2hq]

This is a natural process for this plant so you can air or ground layer long branches with ease .I use a weight or rock to hold a branch down far enough to cover it in soil

[@bartacomuskidd775]

i want the really bg elaeagnus. whats its name? i cant find any of the elaeagnus anywhere though.

[@nancyfahey7518]

So if this is the same plant as my Silverthorne, I let it grow up into the trees, it holds on real good and saves us from the winds from hurricanes. I couldn't get the branch out of the trees if I wanted.

[@JimPutnam]

+Nancy Fahey OH yeah. It will vine if it gets a chance

[@charlottecopeland7645]

So how do you prune it in so of shape.

[@RandoQuestion]

I pruned mine today July 28th, I live in Houston. If I keep the water on them will they be ok?

[@JimPutnam]

After you prune, be careful to not overwater. Check around them first, but yes they are super tough.

[@walker8989]

I planted them two years ago in Raleigh and never watered them in, never watered them ever and they are growing great.

[@tantrumsa.150]

I hope there is a nursery(here in Philippines, which btw this shrub is not popular here. I haven't seen one actually) where i can buy a seedling giant shrub

[@joeyhernandez14]

Where can I pick this plant up at

[@carbrock.2854]

So, is this a different plant from Elaeagnus commutata, which is also known as silverberry? I'm finding Elaeagnus pungens to be called thorny olive or silverthorn. I was wondering because I'm looking for Elaeagnus commutata to provide nitrogen for a garden area but am having trouble finding seedlings for sale.

[@ShadowOps15]

This is also a nitrogen fixer.

[@carbrock.2854]

@@ShadowOps15 Yes, but I was looking for something native, or at least as close to being native to this state (NC) as I could find from this genus.

[@ShadowOps15]

@@carbrock.2854 The Elaeagnus pungens is very shade tolerent (2 hours a day will suffice) not sure about the nativeness. You could check a database for that.

[@mjlester7799]

Are the thorns on this tree a problem?

[@debrab4729]

no thorns

[@kevinmarler603]

Just bought 4 to plant across the back of my yard as a barrier. Look forward to not seeing my neighbors houses and buildings!

[@walker8989]

Would hollytone work well for these?

[@JimPutnam]

Yes, definitely. Or just plant tone if your soil is already acidic

[@chrisfmc123]

What is there life span .... do they last for generations ...

[@JimPutnam]

+Chris McDonald Im sure Elaeagus will outlive us all

[@leeco9811]

I have read in favorable conditions they will last 30 years

[@gw2926]

How do you prune this bush?

[@JimPutnam]

Anyway that you want to. You couldn't hurt it if you tried. If it is established, it can be pruned to the ground.

[@SuperPhilthyrich]

Jack rabbits ate mine to the nub, but after putting a chicken wire ring around them they came bounding back.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Really nice video. Your information is great and I heard the same type info from other horticulturists but I think it's not working too well. I planted fourteen of these 4 years ago and they're only 2.5 feet high. They do not get direct sunlight so maybe that's it. I will try a slow dissolving fertilizer of some sort to give them some help but they've not been too responsive. I live in wooded area of NC. Help!..........and thanks.

[@guerillagrace]

How are they doing 2 yrs on?

[@houndsmanone4563]

@@guerillagrace Thanks for asking. They're pretty much identical to 2 years ago. None have died but none have flourished. I have the same in other parts of the land that are flourishing. The big difference is sunlight. They need to be in direct sunlight much longer each day. I will be transplanting them to a sunnier part of the land. They get too much shade, they need at least 1/2 day sunlight. Those I have in a sunny area grow quite full. In fact, one of the existing plants was cut to the ground by a lawn care serviceman's commercial mower and it grew back and is very robust. More sun is key. I have them in the wrong place (not enough sunlight). Thanks again. Enjoy your weekend.

[@guerillagrace]

Good to know Thanks for your experience👍🐣🕊Happy Spring to you and yours

[@jester9159]

I recently planted 5 of these on my side yard. It's been a little over a week and the leaves have begun to sporadically turn yellow across all the plants. I WAS watering them daily but was told by the nursery to stop and maybe water them every 3 days? Has anyone else had issues with TOO much water causing an Elaeagnus to yellow? Plus I am in north florida so all my soil is pretty much sand/loam. I also have them in FULL sun so I know they're getting plenty of that. I swear if I end killing these damn things, like you said, I need to find a different hobby.

[@topaz3468]

I've had this happen right after planting silver berry also (in zone 9b). The yellow leaves were not because of over watering however. This shrub can struggle for 2-3 weeks after it goes in the ground. Don't worry... The new leaves will show up in a few weeks. On one of them, I did a slight pruning which it liked.

[@jester9159]

@@topaz3468 Hey, thanks for the comment. As of right now my silver berry plants are STILL dropping leaves and it has been exactly 3 weeks since I've put them in the ground. Aside from the sporadic yellowing of the leaves, the plants OVERALL look healthy (in zone 8b here). I will continue to keep an eye on them though I'm hopeful they'll eventually stabilize and take off.

[@meryemmery2011]

J 'ai besoin d'information .. comment faire des boutures d elaeagnus ebb

[@grantbayley100]

What a plant 2 grow. Sounds like weed but great

[@ddtripathi806]

Strawberry🍓🍓🍓 at rs 120 per 250 gm.

[@sislertx]

Evidently it makes a great floral filler.

[@britsmith1585]

Elaeagnus Commutata

[@girlfridaygulfcoast]

Can I propagate elaeagnus from it's seed?

[@debrab4729]

yes. Don't worry you'll have plenty of volunteers bushes pop up from it

[@ddtripathi806]

Berries and strawberry🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓. Berries at rs 1800 /kg too much costly.

[@aredman22]

Don't plant them in the Southeast. It's a terrible invasive. Neglect trimming it for a couple seasons and it will take over everything.

[@patriciasmith9039]

Help...mySilverberry bushes are taking over my yard and I’m too old to prune it...thinking about cutting them down at the base. I have 9foot runners ...I hate this bush... I would NEVER recommend this bush to anyone...

[@sarahflanagan9345]

PLEASE Everyone! Before purchasing any plant to add to your home garden, consider planting beautiful North American native shrubs, trees and other plants. We have a world-wide problem with a decline in wild insect pollinators because we have all been too guilty in planting non-native plants. Many of these foreign plants have proven to be very invasive in our native woodlands (take a hike and you'll soon discover the thugs growing in the woods). Autumn Olive is one such highly invasive shrub and should not be planted anywhere! As for the garden center personnel, please do more research before selling to the typically ignorant home gardener a plant which you know is bad for the environment. We all need to do better to protect all creatures involved in helping us grow food. Many non-native shrubs and trees have little or no value to wild insects and our local bird and wild animal population. Let's all do better!

[@newatthis50]

ThankYou. I was considering this but will look at something more local. Not at all it would even live this far north. We often have a deep freeze mid November. Usually warmish days and light frost night till after Christmas after that initial cold snap