Ebbing's silverberry and Oval-leaved privet are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Elaeagnus × ebbingei 2.5 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
A vigorous, dense evergreen shrub with leathery leaves that are glossy dark green above and silvery beneath, bearing tiny, barely visible but strongly…
Ligustrum ovalifolium 3 m × 2 m after 10 years
An undemanding hedging shrub with glossy dark green leaves that thickens up quickly, grows in almost any soil and copes well with city air. It keeps…
Ebbing's silverberry is evergreen, Oval-leaved privet is semi-evergreen.
Oval-leaved privet is hardier: down to -23 °C, against -18 °C for Ebbing's silverberry.
Ebbing's silverberry tolerates drought better than Oval-leaved privet.
Ebbing's silverberry is non-toxic to dogs and cats, Oval-leaved privet is not.
Oval-leaved privet is cheaper: about €7 at the size usually planted, against about €8.90 for Ebbing's silverberry.
|
Feature
|
Ebbing's silverberry
|
Oval-leaved privet
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hedge | Hedge |
| Size after 10 years | 2.5 m × 2.5 m | 3 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 2.4–4 m × 2.4–4 m | 3–5 m × 2–4.5 m |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Semi-evergreen |
| Flowering | September–November, white | June–July, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 60 cm | 35 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic | Toxic |
| For cats | Non-toxic | Toxic |
| For children | Non-toxic | Toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €8.90 | approx. €7 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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