Hippophae rhamnoides - Great Coastal Hedging
sea buckthorn
Thriving in the harshest coastal environments, this resilient nitrogen-fixing pioneer captivates with its silvery, narrow foliage and spectacular display of edible, vitamin-rich orange berries that persist through winter on female plants. While British palates may find the fruits of Hippophae rhamnoides challenging, these nutritious berries are prized throughout Europe and Asia for preserves, juices, and sauces, rivalling sloes in their culinary versatility.
This robust deciduous shrub excels in exposed locations, growing 20-40cm (8-16in) annually and forming an impenetrable windbreak that shelters more delicate plantings from salt spray and gales. Despite its coastal heritage, it adapts readily to inland gardens, particularly those with poor or wet soils where its remarkable ability to fix nitrogen makes it an invaluable soil improver and foundational species for broader landscape schemes. As a hedge, it it proves reliable and adaptable, and is easy to maintain.
To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here
Please note: we are unable to guarantee male and/or female plants.
This robust deciduous shrub excels in exposed locations, growing 20-40cm (8-16in) annually and forming an impenetrable windbreak that shelters more delicate plantings from salt spray and gales. Despite its coastal heritage, it adapts readily to inland gardens, particularly those with poor or wet soils where its remarkable ability to fix nitrogen makes it an invaluable soil improver and foundational species for broader landscape schemes. As a hedge, it it proves reliable and adaptable, and is easy to maintain.
To find out more about how to plant a hedge, click here
Please note: we are unable to guarantee male and/or female plants.
How to care for Hippophae rhamnoides:
Bareroot plants should be planted out as soon as possible, between November and March while dormant, spacing plants 1-1.5m (3-5ft) apart for hedging purposes. Container-grown plants can be planted throughout the year. Prepare the planting area thoroughly by clearing all weeds, though there's no need to enrich the soil as this tough plant thrives in poor conditions. While naturally tolerant of drought once established, regular watering in the first growing season helps develop a robust root system.
Plants grown as trees require very little pruning (unless they get too large for their allotted space), however hedges should be trimmed in late winter before new growth emerges, typically in February, but avoid cutting back hard into old wood as the plant may struggle to regenerate. Be mindful of the sharp thorns when pruning and wear sturdy gloves.
For fruit production, take a lighter approach to pruning, only removing crossing, damaged, or overcrowded branches, as the berries are produced on the previous year's growth.
Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring to seal in moisture, and reduce weeds.
Plants grown as trees require very little pruning (unless they get too large for their allotted space), however hedges should be trimmed in late winter before new growth emerges, typically in February, but avoid cutting back hard into old wood as the plant may struggle to regenerate. Be mindful of the sharp thorns when pruning and wear sturdy gloves.
For fruit production, take a lighter approach to pruning, only removing crossing, damaged, or overcrowded branches, as the berries are produced on the previous year's growth.
Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or manure around the base of the plant in spring to seal in moisture, and reduce weeds.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
6m
Eventual spread:
4m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
