Sea buckthorn
Sea buckthorn oil was one of the first products used by Soviet cosmonauts for skincare.
Sea buckthorn is one of the oldest cultivated plants, cherished by gardeners since ancient times. This resilient shrub originates from the coastal regions of Asia and Europe, where it became a beloved choice thanks to its hardiness and wealth of beneficial properties. For centuries, people have valued sea buckthorn for its ability to stabilise slopes and deliver abundant harvests of golden berries.
Visually, it is a low spiny shrub with narrow silvery leaves that lend it particular grace and delicacy. The berries—ranging from pale yellow to orange-red—nestle tightly against the branches, which inspired the plant's Ukrainian name. Several cultivars exist with varying fruit size and flavour, but all are either male or female plants; without this pair, you won't get fruit. It flowers modestly but early, in April, when the garden is still waking up.
In the garden, sea buckthorn shines alongside rowan, chokeberry, and currant, creating a tapestry of different hues and textures. Plant it as a hedge, use it for slope stabilisation, or simply as a source of vitamin-rich harvests for the whole family. This crop requires no complicated care—it grows readily in sunny spots, withstands both drought and wind, and its roots even enrich the soil with nitrogen.
Interestingly, Soviet cosmonauts took sea buckthorn oil aboard space stations for skincare—and this was no accident. If you're seeking a plant that will be generous with its harvest, tireless in the cold, and supply your garden with natural treasures, sea buckthorn is exactly what you need.
Sea buckthorn — planting & location
Berries cling to branches; requires both male and female plants
How to water Sea buckthorn
Drought-tolerant after establishment
Fertilizing and pruning: Sea buckthorn
Remove dead and old branches (wear gloves!)