Sea Buckthorn Shrub (Hippophae Rhamnoides)

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a tall, suckering shrub that thrives in coastal areas and along riverbanks. Narrow, silvery leaves stay on the plant into winter, and bright orange berries appear on female plants in autumn. Sea Buckthorn is dioecious, so at least one male plant is needed nearby to pollinate the females and produce berries. Small flowers appear in early spring before the leaves, and this vigorous, thorny shrub reaches up to 6 metres, giving excellent shelter from coastal gales and sea spray.

As with holly, individual plants are not sold as a guaranteed male or female, so planting several Sea Buckthorn shrubs together improves the chances of a good berry crop.

Well suited to sandy, free draining soils, Sea Buckthorn is one of the most versatile buckthorn shrubs for coastal, riverside and exposed inland planting schemes alike.