Hippophae rhamnoides: Sea buckthorn - a vitamin wonder for natural gardens
Hippophae rhamnoides, also known as sea buckthorn, is an exceptionally robust shrub that is best known for its bright orange-coloured berries. This plant has gained popularity in recent years due to its health benefits and versatile uses in both cooking and cosmetics. In addition to its decorative and useful properties, sea buckthorn is also an important plant for natural and organic gardens.
Appearance and growth behaviour
Sea buckthorn is a thorny, strongly branched shrub that can grow up to 4.5 metres high. Its dense growth and silvery-green, narrow leaves give it a characteristic appearance that makes it stand out in any garden. From August to October, the eye-catching orange berries ripen, adorning the shrub with their intense colour and providing a popular food source for birds. The sea buckthorn is also a pioneer plant that is extremely resistant to drought, wind and salty air, which makes it particularly interesting for coastal regions and demanding locations.
Site requirements and care
One of the great advantages of Hippophae rhamnoides is its undemanding nature. Sea buckthorn thrives on almost all types of soil, but prefers well-drained, sandy soils. It copes well with poor, nutrient-poor soils and even improves the soil by binding nitrogen. Full sun locations are ideal, as this is where the plant develops its full vigour and fruiting potential.
Sea buckthorn is extremely easy to care for. Pruning is not usually necessary, but can be carried out to maintain or rejuvenate the shape of the shrub. The shrub is hardy and requires no protective measures even in cold winters. Its robust nature and resistance to disease make it an ideal choice for naturalised gardens.
Ecological importance and planting partners
Hippophae rhamnoides is not only valuable for its fruit, but also plays an important role in organic horticulture. The berries are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants and attract numerous birds, which like to eat them in winter. At the same time, the thorny growth provides protection and shelter for small mammals and birds, which means that the shrub helps to promote biodiversity.
In garden design, sea buckthorn can be perfectly combined with other shrubs and perennials. It goes particularly well with shrubs such as hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) or dog rose (Rosa canina). These combinations create near-natural hedges that are both ecologically valuable and aesthetically pleasing. Sea buckthorn also harmonises with ornamental grasses such as blue fescue (Festuca glauca), making it an eye-catcher in modern gardens.
A wide range of uses
The bright berries of the sea buckthorn are not only decorative, but also have a high health value. They are rich in vitamin C, E and beta-carotene and are often processed into sea buckthorn juice, jam, oil or tea. The fruits are particularly valued in naturopathy and cosmetics for their anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects. Sea buckthorn oil is used in skin care products as it protects and regenerates the skin.
In addition to the berries, the leaves and bark of Hippophae rhamnoides are also used in traditional medicine, for example to support the immune system.
The plant is therefore not only a visual asset for the garden, but also offers many practical benefits for health-conscious people.
Hippophae rhamnoides, the sea buckthorn, is a versatile and robust shrub that is both visually and ecologically impressive. With its eye-catching berries, undemanding care and numerous uses in cooking and naturopathy, it is an asset to any garden. In combination with other native shrubs and ornamental plants, it not only provides protection and food for animals, but also creates lively accents in natural and modern garden designs.
