Pollinisateur mâle rustique pour argousiers fruitiers

Sea Buckthorn Male 'Pollmix'

Sea Buckthorn

'Pollmix' male sea buckthorn is a Zone 2 pollinator for female fruit-bearing cultivars. Its small, pale yellow flowers release their pollen into the wind in early spring, but this male plant does not produce any berries. Expect it to reach about 4 to 6 m (13 to 20 ft) in height and nearly 3 m (10 ft) in width. Its deciduous, silvery-green foliage and thorny branches form a vigorous shrub. Plant it in full sun in perfectly drained soil. Once established, it tolerates drought, wind, spray, salt, and poor soil. Regularly control suckers. For best results, regularly observe the plant and adapt care to local conditions.
Potted plant
Each store has its own inventory.

Products and available quantities may vary between Brossard and Laval. To check a store’s inventory, please contact us directly.

Even better: visit us in store to discover the full selection available!

Share
Quantity
Potted plant
Exposure
Full sun
Hardiness
Zone 2

Discover the plant

Common nameMale sea buckthorn
FamilyElaeagnaceae
GenusSea Buckthorn
Speciesbuckthorn
CultivarPollmix
TypeDeciduous, thorny, suckering male shrub
Botanical nameSea Buckthorn

‘Pollmix’ male sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides ‘Pollmix’). is a spiny deciduous shrub selected to provide the pollen necessary for fruiting female sea buckthorn. Its small, discreet, petal-less, pale yellow flowers release their pollen into the wind early in spring. As it is a male plant, it does not produce any orange berries. The name ‘Pollmix’ refers to several male genotypes, including early, intermediate, and late-flowering clones. Its narrow, silvery-green foliage, vigorous growth habit, and wind resistance also make it a good hedging, stabilization, and screening plant for large, sunny areas.

Expect it to reach approximately 4 to 6 m high and nearly 3 m wide (13 to 20 ft × 10 ft) in Québec conditions, with variable dimensions depending on the clone and site. Plant in full sun in well-drained, sandy, gravelly, loamy, or calcareous soil. ‘Pollmix’ tolerates poor soil, drought after establishment, strong winds, sea spray, and salt. Zone 2 and approximately -40 °C (-40 °F) confirm its suitability for very cold locations. Place the pollinator close enough to the female cultivars and consider prevailing winds, as pollen is not transported by insects.

Water regularly during establishment, then only during prolonged droughts. Avoid soggy soils, nitrogen-rich fertilizers, and paving over the roots. Sea buckthorn can produce suckers and form a thicket; promptly remove shoots that exceed the allotted space and prevent any spread into natural areas. Prune after flowering or during dormancy to remove dead wood and maintain access, without systematically removing flower-bearing branches. Wear gloves due to the thorns. No major systemic toxicity is documented, but keep the plant out of areas frequented by animals, as the thorns can cause injury and ingestion of plant material can lead to digestive discomfort.

Argousier mâle ‘Pollmix’ formant un grand arbuste caduc épineux au feuillage étroit vert argenté. Cette image présente <em>Hippophae rhamnoides</em> ‘Pollmix’, pollinisateur de Zone 2 atteignant environ 4 à 6 m de hauteur sur près de 3 m de largeur (13 à 20 pi × 10 pi). Ses petites fleurs jaune pâle libèrent du pollen au vent, mais aucun fruit orange ne se forme.

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density For pollination, generally place one male plant for every 5 to 8 female plants, close enough for the wind to carry the pollen.
Best planting time Spring or early autumn, frost-free
Propagation Cuttings or suckers rooted to preserve the male genotype

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Neutral to alkaline; approximately 6.5 to 8.0

Minimum temperature

'-40°C

Care level

Low to moderate, primarily to control suckers

Watering

Water deeply and regularly for the first two seasons to establish a strong root system. Then allow the surface to dry out between waterings and water especially during prolonged droughts. Direct water to the soil without continually wetting the foliage. Absolutely avoid soggy depressions, as drought tolerance does not mean tolerance to asphyxiated roots. A thin layer of mulch can limit weeds without touching the stems.

Soil type

Choose a perfectly drained, light to medium, sandy, gravelly, loamy, or calcareous soil. 'Pollmix' tolerates poor, neutral to alkaline soil and is drought-tolerant once established. Avoid standing water, compaction, and paving over the roots. The root association with <em>Frankia</em> bacteria fixes nitrogen, which reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizer and allows cultivation in infertile soils.

Fertilization

Spring berry fertilizer. Fertilize monthly or as directed on the bag. Add Myke when planting.

Moisture

Low to moderate; well-drained soil

Seasonal care

In early spring, locate the pale yellow male flowers before or during leaf emergence and verify that they coincide with the flowering of female sea buckthorn plants. If multiple Pollmix clones are present, note their flowering order to ensure an extended pollen period. Water young plants when the soil dries, then reduce watering once established. In spring and summer, inspect the entire perimeter for suckers. Promptly cut or dig up any that extend beyond the intended area, without dispersing root fragments. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers. After flowering, remove dead, broken, or overly crowded wood and keep thorny branches away from pathways. Severe annual pruning is not necessary and can reduce subsequent flowering. In summer, watch for unusual yellowing, dieback, and signs of root rot in at-risk soils. In autumn, gather pruned branches and protect young plants from mechanical damage, not from normal Zone 2 cold. During winter, enjoy the structured habit, then plan for sucker removal at thaw. Do not let the plant spread to neighboring natural areas. For best results, regularly observe the plant and adapt care to local conditions. A sunny, airy location promotes healthy growth and good pollen circulation. Light mineral mulch helps limit weeds without retaining too much moisture near the crown.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

At least 75 to 100 liters; in-ground preferred
Prolonged container culture is only possible in a very large pot of at least 75 to 100 liters, stable, perfectly drained, and placed in full sun. Use a mineral and aerated substrate rather than a very rich potting mix. Water when the top layer dries, as wind and silvery foliage can mask a water deficit. A container limits suckers, but vigorous roots require periodic repotting or division. For effective pollination, place the pot near female sea buckthorn plants and in the path of the prevailing wind. Avoid rich nitrogen fertilizers. In cold climates, protect the pot walls or place it in a sheltered, unheated area, while maintaining drainage. Prune thorny branches that obstruct passage and stabilize the container to prevent it from tipping over. A plant in the ground remains preferable for sustained growth and good pollen availability.
Argousier mâle ‘Pollmix’ (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

4 to 6 m (13 to 20 feet)

Width / spread

3 m (10 feet)

Flower color

YELLOW

Foliage color

Silver green

Foliage type

Obsolete

Growth rate

fast

Growth habit

Upright to broadly bushy, thorny, and suckering

Fragrance

Without noticeable fragrance

Bloom period

'Pollmix' is a group of male plants that bear small, pale yellow to greenish-yellow, unisexual flowers in early spring, often before the leaves fully open. They lack showy petals and release wind-borne pollen. The different Pollmix clones flower in succession. Since these plants are male, no flowers develop into orange berries. Their role is to pollinate compatible female cultivars planted nearby.

Fruiting

None: pollinator male cultivar group

Harvest

No harvest from the male plant; it provides pollen to the female plants

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.

Supporting wildlife

Male flowers provide mostly wind-borne pollen and are not an important nectar resource. Dense branching can offer shelter to some birds. Since ‘Pollmix’ does not produce any berries, it offers less winter food than a female sea buckthorn. For best results, regularly observe the plant and adapt care to local conditions.