Sea Buckthorn Friesdorfer Orange A self-fertile, fairly compact sea buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides Friesdorfer Orange is a medium-sized, fast-growing, semi-evergreen shrub with an irregular, bushy and very thorny habit, ideally suited as a burglar- or stock-proof hedge in coastal gardens; it can also be used as a specimen. The long, lance-shaped leaves are silvery grey-green, with silvery undersides. Insignificant clusters of small, greenish flowers, which are nectar-rich, are borne in April. These are followed by profuse, round or oval, deep orange fruits, which persist all winter long; they are exceptionally rich in Vitamin C and suitable for jam or winter tonic-syrups. Sea buckthorn Friesdorfer Orange is a low maintenance, pest-free shrub; water it well on planting and while establishing, after which it is very drought-tolerant. Prune off any dead or badly-placed shoots – it’s not the tidiest shrub. Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastalSoil: Any light, well-drained soil, even poor, sandy or chalky soilsPosition: Full sunSeason of interest: AutumnHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 10’ (3m) Spread: 8’ (2.5m), sometimes taller