HOW TO GROW HIPPOPHAE SALICIFOLIA - Willow-leaved sea buckthorn

How to grow Hippophae salicifolia


Native to the Himalayas, Hippophae salicifolia is a rare species of sea buckthorn found growing in the high altitudes of dry valleys. Introduced to European gardens in 1822, it was first described by the Scottish botanist, David Don 1799 – 1841.

While visibly similar to the common sea buckthorn - Hippophae rhamnoides, it is a taller species growing to approximately 15 metres tall, with less spiny pendulous branches. Hippophae salicifolia also displays broader and less silvery foliage, but the most obvious difference are its yellow berries. It will in flower in April, and if pollinated the fruits will appear from September to October. Hippophae salicifolia is dioecious, meaning that both male and female plants must be grown to produce berries.

How to grow Hippophae salicifolia
A wild variant also exists which occurs in the same restricted area of the Himalayas. However this form is found at even higher altitudes in the alpine zone, and rarely seen growing beyond 1 metre in height. The leaves are also much smaller reaching a length of between 1–3 centimetres.

Hippophae salicifolia will require a position of full sun as it will noticeably struggle in even partial shad.  However it is suitable for a range of soils, including those which are nutritionally as the roots are able to fix nitrogen. It will tolerates strong winds but unlike Hippophae rhamnoides it is not tolerant to a maritime exposure.

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