Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata', Golden Variegated Elaeagnus
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Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs

Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata'

Golden Variegated Elaeagnus

Elaeagnaceae

Species native to China and Japan; cultivar is garden selection

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height6–10 feet (1.8–3 m)
Width6–10 feet (1.8–3 m)
Maturity6 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 9
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (strong)
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata' is an evergreen shrub reaching 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) tall with a spread of 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m). This cultivar of E. pungens is distinguished by leaves with an irregular bright golden-yellow to yellow-green central blotch or splash against a dark green background; the variegation pattern varies from leaf to leaf and ranges from small central spots to blotches covering most of the leaf surface. The leaf underside retains the characteristic dense silvery scaling of the species. Leaves are leathery, oval to oblong, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long with wavy margins. Stems bear stiff thorns and are covered with rust-colored to silvery scales on young growth. The plant forms a broad mounding to spreading habit, generally somewhat less vigorous than the plain green species. In October through November, small tubular white flowers approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) long appear in leaf axils and produce an intensely sweet honey-like fragrance. All-green reverted shoots grow faster than the variegated portions and must be removed promptly to prevent them from dominating the plant. Growth rate is moderate to vigorous; plants reach mature dimensions in 5–8 years.

Native Range

The species Elaeagnus pungens is native to China and Japan. Maculata is a cultivar selected in cultivation and does not occur in the wild.

Suggested Uses

Same site adaptability as E. pungens species, with the additional ornamental asset of year-round gold central variegation providing bright focal points. The gold blotch is most visible in full sun; in shade the variegation appears less vivid. Effective as a bold specimen shrub or in massed screening plantings. Not suited to small spaces, areas near paths (thorns), or full shade.

How to Identify

Identified by the bright golden-yellow central blotch or splash variegation on dark green leaves, combined with silvery-scaled undersides and stiff thorns. The gold variegation is in the leaf center (not the margins) — this distinguishes Maculata from Elaeagnus x ebbingei Gilt Edge, which has gold margins on dark green centers. Leaves are 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) long, leathery, with wavy margins. Rust-colored to silvery scales on young stems. Watch for all-green reverted shoots, which are larger and more vigorous than the variegated branches.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread6' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 6 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

dark green
gold
yellow
silver

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Fall
Flowers October through November in USDA zones 7–9. Small tubular white flowers approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) long appear in clusters of 3–7 in leaf axils, largely hidden within the foliage. Fragrance is intensely sweet and honey-like, detectable 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) from the plant on calm days.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White (inconspicuous, fragrant)

Foliage Description

Gold central blotch or splash on dark green; silvery-scaled underside; wavy margins — gold in center, not margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandclay
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

5–8 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Same cultural requirements as E. pungens species: tolerates poor soils, coastal exposure, drought, and urban conditions. Inspect the plant regularly for all-green reverted shoots, which are faster-growing and will dominate if not removed. Trace reverted shoots back to their point of origin and cut them off cleanly at the junction with variegated wood. In full shade, variegation intensity decreases; plant in partial to full sun for best gold color. Water weekly for the first growing season; minimal irrigation required once established.

Pruning

Tolerates heavy pruning. Shear or cut back in early spring or after fall flowering. Additional priority: remove all-green reverted shoots immediately upon detection, tracing to their origin. Reversion shoots left for more than one season will alter the plant's appearance significantly. Use heavy gloves — thorns are sharp.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springlate fall

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic; fruits edible but not palatable