Elaeagnus pungens maculata is a plant that originates from China. It is a member of the Elaeagnaceae family and is also known as silverberry, oleaster, or autumn olive. The shrub is characterized by its maturing to a height of 15ft, having small, dark green leaves, and its branches being covered in small, white flowers. The plant is commonly found in open areas such as roadsides, railway tracks, and pastures.
Related plant:
Elaeagnus Multiflora
Related plant:
Elaeagnus Shrub
About soil condition, elaeagnus pungens maculata prefer well-drained soils whether sandy, loamy or clay. It is also adaptable to different soil pH levels, including acidic and alkaline soils. This soil-tolerance makes elaeagnus pungens maculata a good choice for sites where other plants have difficulty growing. Once established, this plant is also quite drought-tolerant.
Like the other members of the Elaeagnus genus, the Elaeagnus pungens maculata (Japanese silverberry) is a fast-growing shrub that is tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. It can be grown in full sun to partial shade, and prefers well-drained soil. This shrub is an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings.
The temperature condition for elaeagnus pungens maculata is around -30°C. This plant is extremely hardy and can tolerate cold winters. It is originally from Siberia and is used to living in cold climates. This plant does not require any special care and can be grown in any type of soil. It is a fast-growing plant and can reach up to 2 meters in height. This plant is also known as the Russian olive and is used in many traditional Russian dishes.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40% to 60%. The plant cannot tolerate high humidity or low humidity. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and fall off. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will become dry and brittle.
Regarding fertilizer, this plant does best with a low nitrogen fertilizer. For example, a 5-10-5 fertilizer would be ideal. It's also important to make sure that the root system is healthy and not waterlogged.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your Elaeagnus pungens maculata healthy and looking its best. This shrub can be pruned in early spring or late summer. You should remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any that are rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the plant or to control its size. When pruning, make sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears.
Propagation of Elaeagnus pungens maculata is typically done through rooting stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from new growth that is approximately 6-8 inches long. The cuttings should be taken from the bottom 2/3 of the stem and have 3-4 leaves attached. The stem cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until new growth appears.
Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and fall, when the days are longest and the temperatures are moderate. However, some growth may occur during the summer if the weather is not too hot. The plant typically grows to a height of about 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a width of about 4 feet (1.2 meters).
Common problems for this kind of plant are mostly due to its aggressive growth habit. These include its ability to crowd out other plants, its tendency to invade natural areas, and its potential to become a nuisance. In addition, the plant can be quite messy, with its leaves and fruit often falling to the ground.
Source:
Maculata Thorny Elaeagnus - Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata'
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata'
Elaeagnus Pungens: Off to an Early Start | North Carolina
