Elaeagnus multiflora, 'Red Gem' Goumi

Elaeagnus multiflora 'Red Gem'

Variety description: Originally from the Russian Far East, 'Red Gem' Goumi was brought to the Main Botanic Garden in Kiev, Ukraine. It is valued for its productivity and high quality, very flavorful fruit.

Native to the Russian Far East, China and Japan, Goumi is a very popular fruit in these regions. Goumi forms a medium size shrub growing to 6 ft in height with attractive, silvery green foliage. It’s white flowers bloom in the middle to the end of May and are very fragrant and loved by bees making it a fantastic pollinator. The juicy, scarlet-red fruit is speckled with silver and ripens in July. Aromatic with a flavor reminiscent of pie cherries, it is very good eaten fresh and also makes tasty preserves.

Site requirements: Goumis grow best in a full sun to part shade location with fertile, moist soil. They are quite adaptable and will grow in poor, drier sites provided that the roots are well mulched.

Size at maturity: Multi-stemmed shrub reaches 5-6' tall and wide.

Pollination: Partially self-fertile, though yields are increased with another cultivar of Elaeagnus multiflora.

Pests and diseases: No insects or diseases are of concern in the Northeast. Birds relish the berries and will strip berry clusters clean if shrubs are not netted.

Hardiness: Will grow in USDA zones 4-9.

Plant size:  Well rooted plant, about 18" tall with a well developed root system. Will likely produce fruit the second season in the ground if given good care.

When we ship:  FALL 2023/SPRING 2024.