Prairie Sunset Sea Buckthorn

Prairie Sunset Sea Buckthorn is a stunning variety that lives up to its name, bringing rich golden-orange berries to orchards across the prairies! Developed by Bill Schroeder and released in 2012 through COPF, this cultivar hails from hardy Siberian origins, being an open pollinated seedling of H. Rhamniodes var. Mongolica seed collected from the Altai Mountains. Compact yet productive, making it a manageable addition to any orchard, with just a few soft thorns for easier harvesting.

Prairie Sunset ripens in early to mid-August, and each plant can yield 8-10 kg of impressively large berries, averaging 85 grams per 100 berries. The flavour profile is a harmonious blend of complexity, with a zesty tanginess and delicate hints of tropical fruits like pineapple and mango. With its gorgeous colour, smooth picking, and robust fruit size, this sea buckthorn cultivar shines in preserves, fresh eating, and homemade juices. Prairie Sunset is a beautiful, bountiful choice for anyone looking to add a splash of colour and flavour to their landscape! 

The Sea Buckthorn berry is high in vitamins C, E, K, carotenes, flavonoids, amino acids and is high in antioxidants. Equally impressive are its uses: jams, jellies, sauces, wine, tea and why not get creative and make a wonderful sorbet, also excellent to add to your homemade skin-care products!

The Sea Buckthorn shrub is very hardy and will adapt to a variety of soil conditions. Drought tolerant once established after a few seasons, it is nitrogen fixing and tends to sucker if not controlled. 

Growers Note: Prairie Sunset is the female cultivar and will need the male plant Lord planted nearby for pollination. We recommend a maximum of 7 female plants to each male. Although drought tolerant once established, it is recommended that Sea Buckthorn have regular watering or irrigation for the first few seasons.

Hardiness Zone: 2

Height at Maturity: 2.4 meter (8 feet)

Spread: 2 meter (6 feet)  

Soil Preference: Well drained 

Light Exposure: Full sun

Pollination: Self-sterile (Needs a Male pollinator tree) 

Latin Name: Hippophae rhamnoides 'Prairie Sunset'