Silverberry Bonsai Care Guide

Elaeagnus multiflora

Silverberry Bonsai

Native across North America and Asia, Elaeagnus multiflora can be found all across the world. These species are deciduous and tend to be wind resistant and fast-growing. Small and fragrant, the Silverberry gets its title from the eye-catching silver underside to its green leaves. 

Silverberry Bonsai Care Tips

SIlverberry bonsai prefer full sunlight in the summer but for warmer regions, shade won’t go amiss to avoid overheating. This species is hardy and will stand up well to the demands of winter however forest protection is advised for minus temperatures.

Silverberry bonsai needs watering daily throughout the growing season. In the winter it should be watered only sparingly. Be sure to keep the soil moist throughout the colder months to avoid the rootball drying out.

Feeding is a requirement every two weeks throughout the summer. You may want to consider a fertilizer of higher nitrogen content in spring and change to a lower nitrogen fertiliser towards the end of summer. No feeding or fertilising should take place in winter or autumn. 

All new shoots tend to grow upwards and should be trimmed as they arrive. Wiring should be done to the main branches as the new shoots will always head skyward. Mid-summer is the ideal time for wiring and should kept on for the growing season or a year. 

We also recommend using wires with a thickness that matches the thickness of the branch: if the wire you choose is too thick you will damage the bark. If it is too thin, it won’t be effective.

Repot in early spring every other year.

Trees that are ready for repotting will require root pruning, a suitable new pot and appropriate soil mix.

When repotting, do not cut back the root mass by a large amount, and choose a well-draining soil mix that has a neutral or slightly higher PH value of 5-6 but not over 7. We tend to use a mixture of different speciality bonsai soils on our trees. Every species is different so please contact us for free soil-mix advice or to take advantage of our repotting service.

Bonsai trees aren’t only magnificent additions to an indoor oasis, they are more than capable of standing out in any garden. Many Bonsai species are incredibly hardy and withstand nature’s colder and damper turns with aplomb making them worthwhile outdoor plants. We have an extensive library of care guides for outdoor bonsai trees. It’s not about selecting the perfect bonsai, it’s about selecting the perfect bonsai for you. 

Silverberry Bonsai - Typical Queries

Silverberry bonsai can be propagated with seeds, cuttings or layering. For seed propagation, sow ripe seeds from the tree in an appropriate soil mix. Be sure to keep it moist and keep the light levels consistent and strong. Roots should take place across two to six weeks. 

Cuttings should be taken from a mature bonsai and placed in a growing medium in a warm environment. The cutting should have the lower leaves removed and have clean cuts made above the node. 

No, silverberry bonsai is not toxic to pets, such as dogs, cats, or birds. However, it is not advisable to let your pets chew or ingest any part of the plant, as this can cause digestive upset or allergic reactions. You should also keep your silverberry bonsai out of reach of your pets, to prevent them from damaging or knocking over the plant. You should also be careful with the wire, scissors, or fertilizer that you use for your silverberry bonsai, as these can be harmful to your pets if swallowed or ingested.

Yes, Silverberry bonsai are hardy and resilient plants that can tolerate a range of climates and conditions. They can withstand cold temperatures, drought, salt, and wind. However, they prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil and moderate moisture. They are also resistant to most pests and diseases, making them easy to care for.