Eleagnus pungens Hosoba-Fukurin

Elaeagnus pungens Hosoba Fukurin is a new variety of evergreen bush, with leaves that are green with cream-white margins, that does not exceed 2.5m (8 ft 2 in) in height. It is an ornamental shrub that can be used for hedges, pots, or flower beds.

Originally from China and Japan, this hardy shrub (tolerates temperatures down to -23°C (-9.4 °F)) has a rounded and well-branched habit. The young branches are tinted with orange-brown and bear short thorns here and there. Its evergreen leaves, measuring 4 to 6cm (1.6 to 2.4 in) in length, are tough, alternate, lanceolate, and bright green with cream-white margins. The nectar-rich flowering occurs in autumn with pendulous silver-white, inconspicuous flowers that are slightly fragrant. This is followed by edible fruits, 1cm (0.4 in) long, oval and dark red in with a cherry-like taste.

Elaeagnus pungens Hosuba Fukurin is easy to grow and adapts to well-drained, sandy soils, even dry and poor ones, without limestone, in sunny or semi-shaded locations. To encourage branching in the first few years, prune the shoots by one-third of their length and trim every spring.

Planted as a hedge or in a flower bed, Elaeagnus pungens Hosoba Fukurin creates a beautiful contrast when combined with Escallonia, Olearia, Tamaris, and Griselinia. It is completely unaffected by pollution and forms an excellent hedge in urban gardens. It captures nitrogen from the atmosphere through its leaves and redirects it to its roots.