Chenopodium spinescens 'Aussie Flat Bush'

groundcover

Spiny Saltbush

Chenopodium spinescens 'Aussie Flat Bush'

The Story

Plant Bio

Chenopodium spinescens is a tough, evergreen Australian shrub that naturally forms a dense, spreading mound of silver-gray foliage in arid and coastal environments. The species features small, triangular leaves covered in tiny bladder hairs that create a distinctive velvety texture and reflect intense sunlight.

'Aussie Flat Bush' is a low-growing, compact selection that remains significantly lower and tighter than the wild species type, rarely exceeding eighteen inches in height. This cultivar is selected to be entirely spineless, making it a soft, touchable groundcover that maintains its uniform blue-gray coloration on all new growth.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, velvety carpet of striking blue-gray foliage that remains attractive year-round.

Excellent for stabilizing soil on dry slopes and tolerating harsh coastal salt spray.

Offers minor cover for small ground-dwelling wildlife in dry landscapes.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

18"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with excellent soil drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as it was in the container.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Establish a minimal irrigation schedule, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Pro Tip

Plant this groundcover away from upright shrubs; if crowded, the prostrate stems will scramble upward into neighboring branches and lose their compact, low-profile form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in highly permeable, well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Prune annually if a highly manicured, tight border appearance is desired.

Don't

Do not over-irrigate or allow the soil to remain chronically wet.
Do not apply heavy fertilizers, as this species thrives in low-nutrient soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverErosion ControlRock GardenCoastal GardenMass Planting

Companion Plants

Arctostaphylos Salvia sonomensis Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spiny Saltbush questions

What zones can Spiny Saltbush grow in?

Spiny Saltbush is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Spiny Saltbush deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Spiny Saltbush, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Spiny Saltbush bloom?

Spiny Saltbush typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Spiny Saltbush need full sun?

Spiny Saltbush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Spiny Saltbush drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Spiny Saltbush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.