Description
Elaeagnus ebbingei 'Compacta' shrub 80-90 cm C35 | Ebbing's silverberry
Ebbing's silverberry shrub is the compact, bushy and upright form of Elaeagnus ebbingei 'Compacta', supplied as a shrub rather than a raised-stem or tree-shaped plant. Also known as Ebbing's silverberry, Ebbing's oleaster or evergreen oleaster, it creates a full garden silhouette with dense evergreen leaves. The leaves are green with attractive silver-grey colouring, giving the shrub a calm, structured appearance throughout the year. Creamy white flowers appear in autumn and are scented, adding seasonal interest when many other shrubs have finished flowering. At maturity, this shrub reaches approximately 200 cm in height. Its compact upright habit makes it useful for evergreen hedging, borders, group planting, specimen planting and containers. It is also wind-tolerant and salt-tolerant, so it can suit exposed or coastal UK gardens when positioned with local conditions in mind. This low-maintenance shrub can provide reliable structure without dominating the planting space. It is fruit-bearing, although fruiting is not always reliable. As part of the elaeagnus genus, this specific 'Compacta' form is a practical choice when a full evergreen outline and a neat shrub shape are important.
Key features of Ebbing's silverberry (Elaeagnus ebbingei 'Compacta')
- Autumn flowering: The creamy white flowers are a notable seasonal feature because they are scented. Flowering takes place in October and November, bringing interest to the garden in late autumn.
- Evergreen foliage: The leaves remain on the shrub throughout the year. Their green and silver-grey colouring gives the plant a distinct appearance and supports a full evergreen outline in UK gardens.
- Compact shrub growth: This is the shrub form of Elaeagnus ebbingei 'Compacta'. Its compact, bushy and upright growth creates a dense structure and reaches approximately 200 cm at maturity, rather than forming a raised-stem or tree-shaped plant.
- Aspect and soil: Choose full sun or partial shade. The plant prefers well-drained, humus-rich and slightly moist soil, with an open soil structure that allows good drainage. Fertile garden soil is suitable, while poorly drained conditions should be avoided. It can grow in alkaline or lime-rich soil.
- Wind-tolerant character: This wind-tolerant shrub is suitable for exposed positions, subject to sensible establishment and local conditions. Its salt tolerance also makes it relevant for coastal gardens, where an evergreen shrub is needed.
Uses of the Ebbing's silverberry shrub in the garden
- Hedges and borders: Use this Ebbing's silverberry shrub as an evergreen hedge or as a structured shrub in a border. Its compact, bushy and upright habit gives planting a dense outline without using a tree-shaped form.
- Groups and specimen planting: The shrub works well in group planting, where several plants can create a strong evergreen structure. It can also be used as a specimen shrub, allowing the silver-grey foliage and autumn flowers to stand out within the garden.
- Containers: The compact shrub form is suitable for containers. This makes it useful for patios, terraces or other garden areas where an evergreen plant with a clear upright silhouette is required.
- Hardiness and position: It is approximately hardy to -15°C to -12.2°C and is listed as USDA zone 7. Position it carefully in areas exposed to severe frost, as severe frost can still cause damage. Its wind and salt tolerance support use in exposed or coastal UK gardens.
- Combinations and ornamental value: Combine it with other evergreen shrubs, mixed hedging plants and compatible border planting. Its full evergreen outline, green and silver-grey foliage, compact upright habit and scented creamy white flowers in October and November provide interest across several seasons.
This evergreen shrub provides year-round structure while remaining suitable for hedging, borders, group planting, specimen use and containers. In a suitable UK garden position, it combines a clear, full silhouette with scented autumn interest.
