Overview

Hippophae rhamnoides (m) is a bushy shrubs in the genus Hippophae, part of the Elaeagnaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hippophae rhamnoides (m) grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, edible fruit and hedging and screens. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Flanders.

About

Hippophae rhamnoides is a deciduous shrub grown for its edible fruit and value to wildlife. It typically produces a multi-stemmed, rounded framework of branches. Flowering occurs in May to June. It is commonly planted for hedging, screens and wildlife gardens.

About the genus

Hippophae is a genus of flowering plants in the family Elaeagnaceae. They are deciduous shrubs. They are exceptionally hardy plants, able to withstand winter temperatures as low as −43 °C (−45 °F).

Wikipedia contributors, "Hippophae", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hippophae

In the garden

A member of the Elaeagnaceae, Hippophae rhamnoides is native to parts of Belgium including the Brussels-Capital Region, the Flemish and Walloon regions and Flanders, and is valued for its edible fruit and contribution to wildlife. Flowering in the UK takes place in May to June, after which the shrub develops its fruit that attracts birds and can be harvested for culinary uses. For best results place plants in full sun on loam or sand. It favours neutral to alkaline soils that are moist but well drained; avoid heavy waterlogged positions. Suitable aspects include west-, east- or south-facing sites, and the shrub tolerates both exposed and sheltered locations. The species is rated H7 — fully hardy — so it withstands the coldest UK garden winters without added protection. Use Hippophae rhamnoides as a screen or formal hedge where fruit and wildlife value are wanted, or plant in mixed native hedgerows to increase seasonal interest and food for birds. Positioning where the fruiting display is visible from paths or patios brings both wildlife activity and the opportunity to harvest. The fruit is the principal feature for both wildlife gardens and edible use.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hippophae

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Aspect

West-facing, East-facing, South-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Hippophae rhamnoides (m) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Wildlife gardens, Edible fruit, Hedging and screens

Native to

Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hippophae rhamnoides (m)

Cultivation

Prefers full sun and well-drained soils; tolerates poor, sandy, and alkaline soils; drought tolerant once established; plant male and female plants for fruit production.

Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to maintain shape; avoid heavy pruning as it may reduce fruit yield.

Propagation

Please see cultivation notes

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

Frequently asked questions