Sprite Sea Buckthorn

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4-6 Feet

Mature Spread

4-6 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 7

Hippophae rhamnoides 'Sprite' has dazzling silvery foliage that can brighten small spaces. More commonly known as Sprite Sea Buckthorn, this little shrub has slender, lavender-like, silver leaves. Tiny yellow flowers appear in late spring. This is an outstanding foliage plant that lends a fine texture to the landscape. It is low maintenance and highly adaptable to difficult sites.

This is a dwarf male form of sea buckthorn that doesn’t produce fruit. It has a compact form that reaches 4 – 6 feet high and wide. It is highly tolerant to temperature extremes, salt, poor soil and drought. It is also resistant to deer and disease. Use it to brighten a foundation planting or to create a unique informal hedge. It also works well as a low-maintenance ‘filler’ in outdoor container combinations. 

Sprite Sea Buckthorn Care

This shrub thrives in full sun but can also handle partial shade. It adapts to a variety of soil types and pH levels (from pH 5 – 8). Water ‘Sprite’ regularly during the growing season, particularly during hot, dry weather, to establish a strong root system. Apply a layer of organic compost on top of the root zone and fertilize in the spring with a slow-release formula. 

‘Sprite’ will not require extensive pruning; however, you can shape it in summer after flowering.

Sprite Sea Buckthorn Spacing

To plant a tight hedge of ‘Sprite’, space these shrubs approximately 4 feet apart, center on center. Select containers at least 2 feet in diameter with drainage holes to grow this shrub. Size up the pot every year or transplant ‘Sprite’ into the ground.