Elaeagnus quicksilver is a medium-sized deciduous shrub that is native to China. It is a member of the Elaeagnaceae family and is closely related to the more common Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata). The plant gets its common name from the silvery-grey color of its leaves. The new growth of leaves is often tinged with pink or purple. The plant is dioecious, meaning that there are male and female plants. The flowers on the female plant are small and insignificant, while the male flowers are larger and more showy. The fruit of the plant is a small berry that is black when ripe. The berries are edible but not particularly flavorful. The plant is resistant to drought and salt spray and can grow in a wide range of soils. It is often used as a hedging plant or for erosion control.
Related plant:
Elaeagnus Multiflora
Related plant:
Elaeagnus Pungens Maculata
About soil condition, elaeagnus quicksilver can grow in various condition of soils. It can be in well-drained to moderately drained soils. It prefers soils that are high in organic matter and are sandy to loamy in texture. It is also tolerant to salt and alkaline soils.
Like the other elaeagnus shrubs, the quicksilver variety is tolerant of a wide range of sun exposures, from full sun to full shade. In fact, this shrub is often used as a hedging plant because it can thrive in shady areas that other plants cannot. However, for the best possible growth and flowering, it is best to plant quicksilver in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
The temperature condition for Elaeagnus quicksilver is that it does best in full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, from hot to cold, and can even handle some drought. However, it will not tolerate standing water or wet, soggy soil.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 and 60%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves will start to curl and the plant will become stressed. If the humidity rises above 60%, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.
The fertilizer, this type of plant food, is best applied in early spring before new growth begins. A slow-release fertilizer is best so that the roots have time to absorb the nutrients. The roots of the plant are very important because they are what hold the plant in the ground and provide it with nutrients and water.
Pruning is an important part of caring for your Elaeagnus quicksilver plant. By pruning, you can encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape. You should prune your Elaeagnus quicksilver plant in late winter or early spring.
Propagation is best done by seed in late winter, as the plant is slow to germinate. Sow seed on the surface of a well-drained seed mix and cover lightly with vermiculite. Keep at 70-75 degrees F and moist until germination, which can take up to four months. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant to 4-inch pots filled with a well-drained potting mix. Elaeagnus can also be propagated by rooting semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer.
Usually, the plant growth rate is considered slow to medium. They can however, put on a growth spurt in the right conditions. Elaeagnus quicksilver should be planted in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. It is rather intolerant of drought and does not do well in heavy, wet soils. It should be given a moderate amount of fertilizer in the spring. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew and leaf spot. These problems are caused by fungi and can be treated with fungicides. Another problem that can occur is root rot, which is caused by too much moisture. This can be treated by replanting the plant in well-draining soil.
Source:
Silverberry - Elaeagnus pungens 'Fruitlandii' | North Carolina ...
Elaeagnus umbellata | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University
Elaeagnus angustifolia | Landscape Plants - Oregon State University
