Elaeagnus

This is a garden hybrid, with E. pungens as one of its parents and introduced in 1929. It has become one of the most popular golden-leaved plants because of the brilliance of its variegation - the leaves are often over 10cm (4in) long, dark silvery green with a brilliant gold edging of variable width. The overall impression is of bright sunlight even when plants are growing in shade. Plants make excellent hedges if planted close together and clipped twice a year for a formal finish. When grown against a wall, the stems can be trained like those of a climber and will grow very tall. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its Award of Garden Merit (AGM).