The Story
Plant Bio
Adenanthos is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the Proteaceae family, native to southern Australia. Adenanthos sericeus forms an erect, bushy mound clothed in deeply divided, needle-like leaves covered in fine, silky hairs that give the entire plant a soft, silvery-grey appearance.
This species is highly valued for its tactile, woolly foliage and its ability to withstand harsh, salt-laden coastal winds. Small, tubular red flowers are produced singly in the leaf axils, providing a constant source of nectar for honeyeaters throughout the year.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
197 inches
Width
118 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Moderate to high coastal
Lifespan
Moderate
Native To
Western Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic (foliage can cause minor skin irritation)
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with full sun to dappled shade and exceptional drainage, such as a sandy slope or raised bed.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with native soil without adding organic matter or compost, which can hold too much moisture.
- Water in thoroughly upon planting, then restrict watering to dry spells until the root system is established.
Pro Tip
Never prune back into old, bare wood; this species lacks a lignotuber and cannot reshoot from dormant buds on leafless stems.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in highly permeable, sandy or gravelly soils to prevent root rot.
- Use only specialized low-phosphorus fertilisers formulated specifically for Australian native plants.
- Tip-prune lightly and regularly from a young age to maintain a dense, compact habit.
- Protect young foliage tips from severe sub-zero frosts.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
- Do not prune hard into old, brown, leafless wood.
- Do not apply standard high-phosphorus garden fertilisers.
- Do not overwater once the plant has established its root system.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Woolly Bush, Coastal Woollybush questions
What zones can Woolly Bush, Coastal Woollybush grow in?
Woolly Bush, Coastal Woollybush 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.
When does Woolly Bush, Coastal Woollybush bloom?
Woolly Bush, Coastal Woollybush typically blooms in year round through year round. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Woolly Bush, Coastal Woollybush need full sun?
Woolly Bush, Coastal Woollybush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Woolly Bush, Coastal Woollybush drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Woolly Bush, Coastal Woollybush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Woolly Bush, Coastal Woollybush with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.