Elaeagnus × ebbingei 'Vivileg' – A Hardy, Evergreen Shrub with Fragrant Blooms and Attractive Foliage
Elaeagnus × ebbingei 'Vivileg', commonly known as Silverberry 'Vivileg', is an evergreen shrub that stands out for its striking green and yellow foliage and fragrant blooms. This versatile and hardy shrub is known for its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions while providing year-round interest in the garden. In late autumn to early winter, Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' produces small, fragrant white flowers that fill the garden with a sweet, honey-like scent, making it an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or as a specimen plant. Growing to a height of 200–250 cm, it is perfect for a variety of garden styles, from formal to informal settings. Its low-maintenance nature and strong visual appeal make it a favorite among gardeners.
Why Grow Elaeagnus × ebbingei 'Vivileg'?
Fragrant Winter Flowers – One of the standout features of Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' is its fragrant white flowers that bloom in late autumn to early winter. These small, tubular flowers emit a sweet, honey-like fragrance that fills the air, providing a much-needed scent boost when many other plants are dormant.
Attractive Foliage – The plant’s lance-shaped, green and yellow leaves are covered in silvery scales, giving the shrub a striking appearance. The evergreen foliage creates a beautiful contrast with other plants and provides year-round visual interest, adding a touch of elegance to any garden.
Hardy and Low Maintenance – Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' is an incredibly hardy and low-maintenance shrub, well-suited for a range of soil types and growing conditions. Once established, it requires little care, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. It’s highly adaptable and can tolerate drought, poor soil, and even coastal conditions.
Excellent for Screening & Hedging – With its dense growth habit and evergreen foliage, Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' is perfect for creating privacy screens or windbreaks. It can also be used to form an attractive, low-maintenance hedge that provides year-round coverage and seasonal fragrance.
Wildlife-Friendly – The fragrant flowers of Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for a wildlife-friendly garden. The plant also produces small, edible fruits in the fall, which can be enjoyed by birds, further adding to its ecological value.
Perfect for Year-Round Interest – Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' provides interest throughout the year. Its striking silvery foliage stands out in the garden, especially during the winter months when many plants have lost their leaves. In addition, the fragrant flowers add a delightful seasonal scent that lasts from autumn into early winter.
Planting & Care Guide
Position: Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' prefers full sun to partial shade. It will bloom and grow best in a sunny location, but it can tolerate some shade. For optimal fragrance, plant in an area where the flowers can be easily enjoyed, such as near pathways, seating areas, or close to windows.
Soil: This shrub is highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of soil types, including poor, dry, or slightly alkaline soils. While it prefers well-drained soil, Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' can also tolerate some moisture. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging, but this plant is notably drought-tolerant once established.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells or when the plant is newly planted. Once established, Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' is quite drought-tolerant and can survive on minimal watering. However, consistent moisture, particularly during the growing season, will help the plant thrive and encourage more prolific flowering.
Fertilizing: Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' doesn’t require heavy fertilization but will benefit from a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. This can help encourage healthy growth and ensure it performs well throughout the year. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and fewer flowers, so use sparingly.
Pruning & Maintenance: Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' has a naturally dense and rounded form but may benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape or remove any damaged or dead wood. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning will help promote dense, compact growth and maintain a healthy structure. If used for hedging or screening, prune regularly to maintain a neat, uniform appearance.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the shrub to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots, especially in colder climates. A 2–3 inch layer of mulch, such as wood chips or bark, is ideal. Keep the mulch away from the base of the trunk to avoid rot.
Protection from Pests and Diseases: Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' is generally resistant to pests and diseases, though it can occasionally be affected by aphids or scale insects. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests, and treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary. Fungal diseases are rare but can be managed with good air circulation and by avoiding overhead watering.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' pairs beautifully with a wide range of plants. Its silvery foliage provides a striking contrast to darker greens or bright colors, making it a great companion for flowering perennials, shrubs, and trees. Pair it with plants that have contrasting textures or colors, such as lavender, rosemary, or ornamental grasses, to highlight its metallic leaves.
For hedging or screening, combine Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' with other evergreen plants like boxwood, holly, or laurel to create a dense, year-round barrier. In a mixed border, it can be paired with plants that bloom in different seasons, such as spring-flowering bulbs, summer perennials, or fall-blooming asters, to ensure year-round interest.
The fragrant flowers make it an excellent choice near seating areas, patios, or walkways, where the sweet scent can be fully appreciated. For a coastal garden, Elaeagnus 'Vivileg' works well alongside salt-tolerant plants like sea lavender or coastal grasses, where it can thrive in the tougher conditions while offering beautiful fragrance and foliage.
