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Key characteristics

Family: Elaeagnaceae
Height: 6 to 10 feet
Width: 6 to 10 feet
Flower color: Small, silvery white, and highly fragrant
Foliage color: Golden yellow centers with green margins
Bloom time: Fall
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Low to moderate
Maintenance: Low; can be pruned to shape in late winter
Growing zone: USDA Zones 7 to 9
Wildlife: Bees and other pollinators

Shrubs

Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata'

Golden Elaegnus

Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata' is an evergreen shrub known for its bold foliage and seasonal fragrance. Its large, leathery leaves feature a rich golden-yellow center surrounded by deep green margins, that brings brightness to the garden throughout the year. In autumn, it produces small, silvery-white flowers that are not immediately noticeable but emit a sweet, jasmine-like fragrance, adding sensory appeal to the landscape.

Originating from East Asia, Elaeagnus pungens has been cultivated for its hardiness and ornamental qualities, and the 'Maculata' cultivar is particularly prized for its colorful foliage.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Low to moderate

Bloom time

Fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Hedging & Privacy
Fragrant Gardens
Waterwise Gardens

Companion plants

Daphne · Pearlbush · Bluestars · Rock cress · Pampas Grass · Pasque flower

Design tip

Golden-centered foliage gives this large evergreen a strong presence throughout the year. Its tiny autumn flowers are easy to overlook visually, so placing it near a walkway allows their unexpected jasmine-like fragrance to become part of the seasonal display.