Plant of the week: Hippophae rhamnoides

Plant of the week: Hippophae rhamnoides is a relatively new acquaintance to me. Which now when I know it seems rather odd, how come I’ve never really paid attention to this stunner before? Could well be that it requires rather specific growing conditions (where I live). Namely full sun and full sun only, salty winds and sandy soil. In other words, this is an ideal plant for coastal areas. In these areas the plant thrives and can in a garden design context be used as hedging, screens, windbreak and stabilizing sand dunes.

Plant of the week: Hippophae rhamnoides - Garden Room Style
Plant of the week: Hippophae rhamnoides

Why do I call this plant a stunner? Primarily because I like the look of it. I find the bluegreen silverish narrow leaves attractive. I like the zest for life appeal, the plant has a healthy, thriving outlook. In my opinion it shows its best side as we speak (early autumn), when the bluegreen colour of the leaves contrast gorgeously with the orange berries. I once saw a garden designed in this very colour scheme (only) and was overwhelmed. There’s just something je ne sais quoi about that colour combo.

Plant of the week: Hippophae rhamnoides - Garden Room Style

Those orange berries aren’t only easy on the eye, they are also extremely good for you as they contain one of the highest sources of vitamin C. Additionally there are high levels of vitamin E and vitamin K. Not surprisingly, they are widely used for medicinal purposes. It could, however, be a bit tricky picking them as with time sea-buckthorn develops sharp thorns. You need both a male and a female plant in order to make berries.

Plant of the week: Hippophae rhamnoides - Garden Room Style

The ultimate height of Hippophae rhamnoide is about 1.5 – 6 metres, depending on growing conditions. It’s a deciduous plant and is generally pest and disease free. Hippophae rhamnoides ‘Hikul’ has a natural rounded shape.