Elaeagnus Pungens ‘Maculata’

The striking gold foliage of Elaeagnus pungens ‘Maculata’ makes it a popular evergreen shrub for brightening shady corners. The leathery, lance-shaped leaves are variegated bright yellow in the centre with a wide, irregular, dark green margin. Elaeagnus is one of the toughest shrubs you can grow – coping with sun or heavy shade and a wide range of difficult soils including heavy clays. Its tough constitution makes it ideal as a foundation shrub, hedge or windbreak, where it provides lush, evergreen foliage, structure, and sweet scent. In autumn, it bears very small white flowers which have a surprisingly potent fragrance for their size. Elaeagnus is drought-tolerant, coping with poor dry soils, exposed sites and coastal positions. The foliage is an excellent filler for flower arrangements. Growth rate: medium 20-40cm per year. Maximum height and spread: 4m (6.5ft).