Very popular in Eastern Europe, Russia and China, Sea Berry is not well known to gardeners in North America. A fine ornamental shrub with graceful, grayish-green foliage, it is particularly striking in late summer when it is covered by abundant, bright orange berries. Tart and flavorful, these nutritious berries are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and E. They make delicious juice and contain medicinally valuable oil. Sea Berry is happy in most soils, is hardy to 40° F and is not bothered by pests or diseases. It is wind pollinated and a male and female plant are required for fruit production.

Currently, the most active Russian Sea Berry breeding program is being carried out in the Altai Region of Siberia, near Novosibirsk. These varieties are among the best of their selections and grow and produce good crops in dry, cold climates like those east of the Cascade Mountains. Gardeners in the Pacific Northwest and other areas with wet winters should plant them in very well drained soils, ideally on raised mounds.