Leikora Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides ‘Leikora’)

Leikora Sea Buckthorn is a female cultivar originally from Germany, prized for its abundant orange berries that ripen in late summer to early fall. This hardy shrub is well-suited to cold climates and produces clusters of bright, tart, and vitamin C-rich fruit. The berries are ideal for making juices, jams, and health supplements, with harvesting best done after the first frost to mellow their acidity. The shrub has silver-green, narrow leaves that add a unique texture to the landscape, and its thorny branches make it useful for windbreaks or hedges.

Leikora requires a male pollinator, like ‘Pollmix’ or ‘Romeo,’ to produce fruit. It thrives in full sun and is highly tolerant of poor soils, drought, and salt, making it ideal for challenging sites, including coastal areas. This cultivar is a great option for erosion control and provides habitat for wildlife.

Cold Hardiness Zone: 3
Mature Size: 6-10 ft tall and wide