Shrub · Elaeagnaceae family
sea buckthorn
Hippophae rhamnoides
In short a 10-second read
Sea buckthorn (shrub) grows to 2.4–3.7 m tall and 2.4–3.7 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in dry to average soil. It flowers in March–April; the flowers are yellow or brown. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 2.4–3.7 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: moderate
Soil: sandy, loamy, gravelly
Soil pH 6.5–8.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 20–50 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
March–April · yellow or brown
Pruning
thin out old stems (as needed)
Planting
container plant: October–April
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does sea buckthorn flower?
In March–April; the flowers are yellow or brown.
Does sea buckthorn tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does sea buckthorn need?
At maturity 2.4–3.7 m wide and 2.4–3.7 m tall; recommended spacing 300 cm.
Does sea buckthorn survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (14)
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Hippophae rhamnoides
- Oregon State University Landscape Plants — Hippophae rhamnoides
- Van den Berk Nurseries (NL), škôlkarsky katalóg — Hippophae rhamnoides
- BfN (Bundesamt für Naturschutz) — Naturschutzfachliche Invasivitätsbewertung
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Hippophae rhamnoides
- Wikidata (CC0) — Hippophae rhamnoides
- RHS - Hippophae rhamnoides
- RHS - Mulches and mulching
- Alberta Agriculture - Sea buckthorn
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
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