shrub

Grey Saltbush

The Story

Plant Bio

Atriplex cinerea, known as grey saltbush, is a dense, heavily branched evergreen shrub native to coastal Australia that forms a spreading mound of silvery-grey foliage. The leaves are covered in tiny, bladder-like hairs that give the plant its characteristic mealy, light-reflecting appearance and help it conserve moisture in harsh maritime environments.

This species is highly valued for its extreme tolerance to salt spray, wind, and prolonged drought, making it an exceptional choice for stabilizing coastal dunes and exposed seaside gardens. While the wild species grows up to six feet tall, selected cultivars like 'Sea of Blue' offer a prostrate groundcover habit that remains under one foot high.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking, year-round silvery-grey foliage that contrasts sharply with green-leaved plants.

Highly salt-tolerant and drought-resistant, making it ideal for low-maintenance coastal landscaping.

Acts as a windbreak and stabilizes loose coastal sands and dunes against wind erosion.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

80"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Year round

In flower about 12 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with highly permeable, sandy or loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water the plant thoroughly upon installation to settle the soil, then withhold water to allow the substrate to dry completely between waterings.
Establish a minimal watering schedule, as the plant relies on dry conditions and is highly susceptible to root rot in wet soils.

Pro Tip

Never prune back into old, bare, woody stems; the plant lacks dormant buds on old wood and will fail to regenerate, so limit maintenance to light tip-pruning of active growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in exceptionally well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.
Provide a full-sun position to maintain dense growth and vibrant silver foliage.
Apply a light yearly trim in spring or autumn to encourage a compact habit.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly drained soils where water pools.
Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as the plant cannot regenerate from leafless stems.
Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged conditions.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Erosion ControlCoastal GardenWindbreakHedge

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Grey Saltbush questions

What zones can Grey Saltbush grow in?

Grey 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.

When does Grey Saltbush bloom?

Grey Saltbush 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 Grey Saltbush need full sun?

Grey Saltbush does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Grey Saltbush drought tolerant?

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