Hippophae rhamnoides 'HIKUL'

Hikul is a very attractive variety of sea buckthorn. It is a slow growing, deciduous shrub of very compact and dense habit. It has short, narrowly lanceolate, deciduous leaves that are mid green from spring till autumn, and silver when they emerge. There is no significant colour change in autumn but it keeps its foliage longer than the species. It makes upright branches that naturally form a rounded shrub of a neat shape without pruning. It is a male variety which does not produce fruit but pollinates female plants.

Hikul is so unique and different from its parent. It looks like a heath plant, or the contrary – it can be used in a Mediterranean-style garden where it will make a perfect substitute of a rosemary bush. Just use sand or gravel around it for a perfect illusion of a seaside landscape.

Sea buckthorn grows naturally on dry, sandy soils at seacoasts and street embankments. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soil. The parent plant likes to spread with suckers, however, we have not had enough experience with Hikul to confirm the same behaviour. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring. It is very hardy, allegedly down to about -40°C (USDA zone 3), and is suitable for outdoor containers where it will look especially beautiful.

Last update 04-02-2013