Sea buckthorn 'Leikora' Hippophae rhamnoides 'Leikora' (f/f)
ABOUT
'Leikora' is a female cultivar. It produces abundant large fruit, with a high content of vitamin C, that contrasts with the narrow silvery foliage
About this plant
NamesFamily
Elaeagnaceae.
Synonyms
Sea Buckthorn, Sandthorn, Seaberry, Siberian Pineapple.
Common names
Hippophae rhamnoides 'Leikora'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe, China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The 'Leikora' sea buckthorn is valued for its silver-green foliage, bright orange berries, and attractive form that can enhance landscape aesthetics.
- Edible Berries: The plant produces nutrient-rich berries that are high in vitamins, particularly Vitamin C, and can be used in a variety of culinary applications such as jams, juices, and baking.
- Wildlife Attraction: It provides a food source for birds and other wildlife, which are attracted to its berries.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system of sea buckthorn can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it useful for planting in areas susceptible to soil degradation.
- Windbreak: Often used in hedges or as windbreaks, sea buckthorn can protect gardens and crops from wind damage.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, sea buckthorn exhibits good drought tolerance, making it suitable for arid and semiarid regions.
- Soil Improvement: As a nitrogen-fixing plant, sea buckthorn can enhance soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by other plants.
Medical Properties- Rich in vitamin C: Sea buckthorn is known for its high vitamin C content, which may support immune system function.
- Contains omegas 3, 6, 7, 9: The berries and seeds of sea buckthorn have a unique composition of fatty acids, including the rare Omega 7, potentially supporting skin health and promoting healing of tissues.
- Antioxidant properties: Sea buckthorn contains various antioxidants like flavonoids and tocopherols, which may protect cells from oxidative damage.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: The plant may have anti-inflammatory agents helping in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Gastrointestinal support: Sea buckthorn oil has been used traditionally to support the health of the digestive tract.
- Cardiovascular benefits: The flavonoids in sea buckthorn may help in maintaining healthy blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
- Skin repair and regeneration: The oil is commonly used topically for skin repair, due to its believed regenerative properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sea buckthorn 'Leikora' branches can be used in floral arrangements for their distinctive silvery-green foliage and bright orange berries, adding a unique touch to bouquets and centerpieces.
- The wood of the sea buckthorn 'Leikora' is dense and can be used for small woodworking projects such as carving or for creating handles for tools and knives.
- Sea buckthorn 'Leikora' can be planted to create a natural barrier or hedge due to its dense and thorny nature, which can act as a deterrent for wildlife and unauthorized human access.
- Farmers can utilize sea buckthorn 'Leikora' as a companion plant in agroforestry systems to enhance biodiversity and protect soil from erosion with its extensive root system.
- Sea buckthorn 'Leikora' is effective in reclaiming land, as it can grow in poor soil conditions and help in stabilizing sand dunes and other degraded lands.
- The berries of sea buckthorn 'Leikora' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics or crafts, producing a range of yellow, orange, or green hues depending on the mordant used.
- Sea buckthorn 'Leikora' can be incorporated into animal feed to add nutritional value, given the high vitamin and antioxidant content of the leaves and berries.
- The leaves of sea buckthorn 'Leikora' can be used to make a green tea alternative which has a unique flavor profile.
- Sea buckthorn 'Leikora' oil extracted from the seeds and pulp can be used as a biofuel, thanks to its high unsaturated fatty acid content.
- Bees can greatly benefit from sea buckthorn 'Leikora' as the plants provide a valuable source of nectar during times when other nectar sources may be scarce.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSea Buckthorn is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySea Buckthorn is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Vitality and Resilience: Hippophae rhamnoides 'Leikora', commonly known as Sea Buckthorn, represents vitality due to its hardiness and ability to grow in challenging environments, reflecting the vigor and robustness of life.
- Healing and Nourishment: Known for its nutritious berries rich in vitamins and antioxidants, Sea Buckthorn embodies healing, providing nourishment and rejuvenation to both the body and the spirit.
- Survival and Tenacity: As a plant that thrives in poor soils and harsh conditions, Sea Buckthorn symbolizes survival and tenacity, an inspiration to persevere through adversity.
- Balance in Life: The Sea Buckthorn's ability to prevent soil erosion and its role in ecological balance associates it with the concept of balance in life, promoting harmony with nature and within oneself.
WaterSea Buckthorn 'Leikora' requires moderate watering, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. It is drought-tolerant once established, so it's important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water the plant deeply once every two weeks, providing about 1 to 2 gallons of water each time, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. Cut back on watering in the fall and winter to monthly, or whenever the soil is dry to the touch a couple of inches down. Avoid over-watering as it could lead to root rot.
LightSea Buckthorn 'Leikora' thrives best in full sun conditions. It should be planted in a spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid shaded areas, as too little light can impede fruit production and overall health of the plant.
TemperatureSea Buckthorn 'Leikora' is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -40°F to highs above 85°F. However, the ideal growing temperature is between 50°F and 75°F. It is well-suited for colder climates and can survive harsh winter conditions.
PruningSea Buckthorn 'Leikora' should be pruned to promote healthy growth, remove dead or diseased branches, and shape the plant. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Thin out any crowded branches and cut back about a third of the older stems to encourage rejuvenation. Aim to prune the plant once a year during this dormant period for optimal health and productivity.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSea Buckthorn ('Leikora' female form) thrives in well-drained, sandy loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix incorporating sand, garden compost, and loamy soil in equal parts is ideal, enhancing drainage while retaining some moisture.
RepottingSea Buckthorn ('Leikora' female form) is typically not repotted often as it is a large shrub; repot young plants every 2-3 years to encourage growth.
Humidity & MistingSea Buckthorn ('Leikora' female form) tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does well in average outdoor humidity conditions without specific requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide full light and good air circulation for Sea Buckthorn indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleSea Buckthorn 'Leikora' begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in early spring after stratification, which mimics winter conditions. The seedlings grow into thorny, deciduous shrubs and establish a deep root system, marking the vegetative stage where they increase in size and foliage. Flowering occurs in spring, with plants being dioecious; 'Leikora' is a female cultivar that requires a male plant nearby for pollination. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into orange berries that ripen typically in late summer to fall, attracting birds and other wildlife, which aid in seed dispersal. Following fruiting, the plant goes dormant in winter, shedding leaves while the root system remains active. This cycle repeats annually, with Sea Buckthorn 'Leikora' potentially living for decades, continually growing, flowering, and fruiting each year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Sea Buckthorn, specifically the Hippophae rhamnoides 'Leikora' (female/female) variety, is through seed sowing. Seeds need cold stratification to break dormancy; this is typically achieved by mixing the seeds with moist sand and storing them in the refrigerator at a temperature of 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit (1.7-4.4 degrees Celsius) for 60-90 days before planting. Following stratification, seeds are sown in a greenhouse or under controlled conditions in early spring. They should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination, which can take several weeks to months. Once seedlings emerge and grow sturdy enough, they can be transplanted outdoors to their permanent positions, preferably in full sun and well-drained soil.
