Catherine’s Find Goumi- Elaeagnus hybrid

This hybrid is said to have some of the largest, most flavor fruit in this genus. 

Goumi is a resilient, low-maintenance nitrogen fixer which improves your soil while providing delicious, unique fruit. It has aesthetic leaves which have a silvery flash to them. 

• Climate & Hardiness: Grows in USDA Zones 4–9. It is extremely cold-hardy, surviving temperatures as low as -25°F.
• Light: While it tolerates partial shade, full sun (at least 6 hours daily) is critical for "Catherine's Find" to produce its signature heavy crop of large, tasty fruit.
• Soil: Highly adaptable to sandy, loamy, or even heavy clay soils. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8.
• Water: Keep it regularly watered during its first two years. Once established, it is notably drought-tolerant and typically only needs 1 inch of water per week.

• Soil Improver: Goumi berries grow in symbiosis with beneficial bacteria to fix nitrogen in the soil, making them excellent companions in a "fruit guild" next to hungry trees like apples.
• Pollination: Plants are partially self-fertile, meaning you'll get fruit with just one bush. However, planting a second variety (like "Sweet Scarlet" or "Red Gem") can significantly increase your harvest size.
• Pruning: You can maintain them at 10' x 10'with pruning in late winter. If left unmanaged, they can reach 15 feet tall.
• Harvesting: Fruit typically ripens in June or July. For the best flavor, wait until the berries are deep scarlet and slightly soft; underripe berries can be very astringent.