Saltbush

Saltbush 'Grey Edge' (Rhagodia spinescens 'Grey Edge') is a silver grey Australian native shrub, about 1m tall and 1.5m wide, that clips into the kind of neat low hedge normally reserved for box, then keeps performing through drought, frost, salt spray, heat and poor soil. For hard sites that defeat fussier hedging, it is one of the most dependable plants in the country.

Why you'll love it

• Silver foliage every day of the year. The dense evergreen cover of small grey leaves lifts the greens and flower colours around it.
• Survives nearly anything. Frost hardy, drought tolerant, heat tolerant, salt tolerant and content in poor soil.
• Clips like a formal hedge. It responds to trimming the way box does, holding crisp low shapes through the year.
• A native that earns its keep. Dense cover shelters small birds, and the tiny flowers are followed by small red berries they feed on.
• Low maintenance. Once established, a trim or two a year is the entire job list.

Where it works best

Low hedging and edging. Plant 1m apart for a dense low hedge along paths, driveways and garden bays. It sits naturally at knee to waist height.

Mass planting. On banks, verges and broad beds, the same 1m spacing closes over bare ground into a continuous silver carpet.

Coastal gardens. It takes frontline salt wind, which is why it appears so often in beachside streetscapes and exposed home gardens.

Growing Saltbush 'Grey Edge' in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun keeps the growth tight and the colour bright. Few plants match its range: subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid zones all suit it, with hard frosts taken in stride.

Soil. Any soil with reasonable drainage, including sands, gravels and tired urban fill. No soil improvement is required.

Water and feed. Water weekly through the first summer, then only in extended dry spells. Fertiliser is rarely needed; a light native feed in spring is the most it will ever want.

Pruning. Clip whenever it looks shaggy, from a light tidy to a hard cut back, and it regrows densely. Regular light trims through the growing season hold a formal line.

What to expect when it arrives

Grey Edge is sold as tube stock and in 140mm packs of 10, which reflects how it is used: in runs and drifts rather than singly. Both sizes establish rapidly, and tube stock planted in spring is usually a joined up hedge line by its second summer. Small plants like these travel well and rarely miss a beat after unpacking. Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95 and a minimum order of $300 before delivery. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse all Australian native plants
• Compare the best hedging plants
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Plants suited to mass planting

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

One metre apart in a single row. At that spacing plants merge into a continuous silver hedge, usually within two growing seasons from 140mm stock.

How often does it need trimming?

For a formal edge, light trims two or three times through the growing season. For an informal mound, once a year is enough. It tolerates a hard cut back if a hedge gets away from you.

Will it cope right on the coast?

Yes. It handles direct salt spray and sea wind, and pairs that with drought and heat tolerance, so exposed sites hold no fear for it.

Does it flower?

Technically yes, but the flowers are tiny and easy to miss. Small red berries follow and bring the birds in; the silver foliage is the real display.