How big does Sea buckthorn grow?

About 3 m × 2.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 2.4–6 m × 2–4 m.

What soil does Sea buckthorn grow in?

It tolerates these soils: sandy, average garden soil, calcareous.

Is Sea buckthorn hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Sea buckthorn toxic to children?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to children.

How far from the house should Sea buckthorn be planted?

Plant it at least 2.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 2.5 m from paving.

When does Sea buckthorn flower?

Flowering: March–May, yellow, green.

How much water does Sea buckthorn need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Sea buckthorn cost?

It sells for roughly €8.90 to €36 in local shops, depending on size.

Sea buckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a fruit plant that reaches 3 m × 2.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Non-toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €8.90.

Illustration of Sea buckthorn — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A large thorny shrub with silvery, willow-like leaves whose orange, very sour, vitamin C rich berries ripen in autumn and stay decorative into winter. A single bush usually gives no fruit: male and female flowers are on separate plants, so female plants need a male nearby (one male is enough for five to eight females); even varieties sold as self-fertile crop better in company. It suits sunny, light, even poor sandy soil and shrugs off drought and salt, but it spreads strongly by root suckers, so give it room or plant it inside a root barrier.

Watch out for

Root suckers come up metres away from the plant and are hard to stop afterwards; hard pruning makes suckering worse. It struggles in heavy clay and in shade, and declines quickly when overshadowed by taller plants. The strong thorns make harvesting and pruning awkward.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D March–May, yellow, green

Group	Fruit
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	3 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	2.4–6 m × 2–4 m
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Sandy, Average garden soil, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	March–May, yellow, green
Harvest	September–October
Self-fertile	no
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Medium
Suckering	yes
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	at least 2.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 2.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic
Typical price	from about €8.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-50 cm	approx. €12
140-180 cm	approx. €36
size not stated	approx. €8.90 – €27

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants that are non-toxic to children Plants for screening Fruit trees and bushes Plants for a Mediterranean garden Plants with edible fruit Edible plants for screening

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