Elaeagnus limelight is a small, deciduous shrub that is native to China. It is a member of the Elaeagnaceae family and is closely related to the olive tree. The limelight plant gets its name from its lemon-yellow flowers which bloom in early summer. The flowers are followed by small, dark berries. The leaves of the limelight plant are narrow and oval-shaped. They are a glossy green color with silver-white undersides. The shrub grows to a height of 3-6 feet and has a spread of 4-8 feet. It does best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
Related plant:
Elaeagnus Multiflora
Related plant:
Olive Martini Elaeagnus
About soil condition, elaeagnus limelight prefer well-drained soil, but it is tolerant of a range of soil types, including clay. It also prefers a neutral to slightly acidic soil, but it is tolerant of alkaline soils as well.
Like the other members of the Elaeagnus family, Limelight does best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It's a tough, adaptable shrub that's easy to grow. Once established, it's drought tolerant and doesn't need much water.
The temperature condition that is most ideal for elaeagnus limelight is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate colder temperatures down to about 60 degrees, but anything below that may cause them some stress. They also prefer a slightly humid environment, so if the air is too dry, they may suffer as well.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. If the humidity falls below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and crisp. If the humidity rises above 60%, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.
Regarding fertilizer, usually the plant doesn't need much. In fact, too much fertilizer will result in yellow leaves. The best way to fertilize is to wait until the plant shows signs of stress and then apply a balanced fertilizer. With regard to the roots, they are relatively deep and so you will need to be careful when watering. Too much water will result in root rot.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your Elaeagnus limelight healthy and looking its best. While it's not necessary to prune every year, it's a good idea to do it every few years to keep the plant from getting too big or unruly. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the plant, or to remove any suckers that may have grown up from the roots.
Propagation is best done by taking semi-ripe wood cuttings in late summer. The cuttings should be about 10cm (4in) long and taken from the current season's growth. Make a slanting cut just below a leaf node and insert the cutting around the edge of a pot containing a mixture of peat and sharp sand. Water well and place the pot in a cold frame or sheltered spot outdoors. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and in the following spring the cuttings should have rooted.
Usually, the plant growth rate is between 3 to 5 inches a year. However, there are some specimens that have been known to grow up to 10 inches in a single year. The elaeagnus limelight is a deciduous shrub that can reach a height of 15 feet. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. The elaeagnus limelight is an easy plant to care for and can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot. If your plant is affected by either of these problems, it is important to take action immediately in order to save the plant. Powdery mildew can be treated by spraying the plant with a fungicide. Root rot can be treated by replanting the affected plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Source:
Elaeagnus pungens | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
| Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants | University of Florida, IFAS
Elaeagnus angustifolia | Landscape Plants - Oregon State University
