Adenanthos sericeus
shrub

Woolly Bush

Adenanthos sericeus

The Story

Plant Bio

Adenanthos sericeus, the woolly bush, is an upright, dense, conical evergreen shrub native to the south coast of Western Australia. The foliage consists of finely divided, needle-like leaves densely covered in silky hairs that create a soft, woolly texture.

Small, tubular red or orange-red flowers are borne sporadically nestled among the terminal foliage during spring and summer. New growth flushes with soft bronze, red, or silver-blue tones depending on the cultivar.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides a striking, soft-textured, silvery-green focal point with a conifer-like silhouette and colorful new growth flushes.
Practical UsesHighly tolerant of salt spray and coastal winds, making it an excellent windbreak or screen for seaside gardens.
Ecological BenefitsProvides nesting habitat and protective cover for small birds, while the tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

196"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (foliage can cause mild skin irritation)

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade and exceptionally sharp-draining, sandy or light loamy soil.
  2. Water moderately during the first growing season to establish the root system, then reduce watering to rely on natural rainfall.
  3. Apply a low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer strictly once a year in spring, avoiding general-purpose fertilizers and animal manures.
  4. Tip-prune lightly after the main flowering flush to maintain a dense, compact shape.

Pro Tip

Never prune hard into old, leafless brown wood, as the stems lack dormant buds and will fail to resprout.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Use only low-phosphorus or phosphorus-free fertilizers to prevent root toxicity.
  • Ensure the planting site has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
  • Wear gloves when handling the foliage to avoid mild skin irritation from the fine hairs.

Don't

  • Do not plant in heavy clay or wet, boggy soils that retain moisture.
  • Do not cut back into old, leafless wood when pruning.
  • Do not apply standard balanced fertilizers or animal manures.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal gardensSpecimen plantingHedges and screensContainer specimens

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosaLeucadendronSalvia apiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Woolly Bush questions

What zones can Woolly Bush grow in?

Woolly Bush 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 Woolly Bush deer resistant?

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

When does Woolly Bush bloom?

Woolly Bush 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 Woolly Bush need full sun?

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

Is Woolly Bush drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Woolly Bush 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 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.

Join Sow for Free