Goumi Red Gem

Red Gem Goumi

Elaeagnus multiflora ‘Red Gem’, commonly known as Goumi, is a hardy deciduous shrub valued for its edible fruit, attractive foliage, and nitrogen-fixing ability. Silvery-green leaves emerge in spring, creating a soft, shimmering effect, followed by small, fragrant creamy-white tubular flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. Bright red, speckled berries ripen in early summer, offering a sweet-tart flavor, and foliage may develop yellow tones in fall. Its upright, spreading habit makes it both ornamental and productive.

Type: Deciduous shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 6–8 ft
Height: 6–10 ft
(10-year size: approx. 6–8 ft tall × 5–7 ft wide)

USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Upright to spreading, open branching
Light: Full sun to partial shade (best fruiting in full sun)
Soil: Highly adaptable; tolerates poor soils due to nitrogen-fixing ability
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Attracts bees (flowers) and birds (fruit)


Features & Landscape Uses


Edible, nutrient-rich red berries



Nitrogen-fixing; improves soil fertility



Ornamental silvery foliage for contrast



Suitable for edible landscapes, hedges, or naturalized plantings




Care
Easy to grow and adaptable. Plant in full sun for best flowering and fruiting. Prune after fruiting to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Very tolerant of poor soils, drought, and coastal or windy conditions. Generally pest- and disease-resistant.

Plant type

Small Fruit

Height

6-10'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Spring Green

Fall color

Green

Fruit color

Red

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Loamy

Landscape use

Fruit, Hedge

Shape

Spreading, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes