Albany Woolly Bush

Albany Woolly Bush (Adenanthos x cunninghamii) is a low, wide native shrub, about 1.5m tall and 1.5m to 3m across. A naturally occurring hybrid of two Western Australian woolly bushes, it is clothed in soft, hair-like leaves of lime grey green, with peachy new growth for contrast. In spring, tiny red flowers at the stem tips feed small birds and pollinators.

Why you'll love it

• Soft, silvery foliage. Hair-like leaves in lime grey green cover the stems, and the peach toned new growth adds contrast, so the shrub earns its place whether or not it is in flower.
• Wide rather than tall. At 1.5m high it spreads sideways, covering a lot of ground in a mixed bed without towering over its neighbours.
• Wildlife shelter and nectar. Dense branching gives small birds cover, and the small red spring flowers are full of nectar for pollinators.
• A native of dry coasts. It comes from the sunny, sandy, dry south west coast of Australia, so it suits coastal gardens and light, free draining soils.
• Light shaping only. A very light trim to shape it is all it asks.

Where it works best

Feature shrub in a native bed. Plant 2m apart as a wide, low feature shrub, and give each one room to reach 3m across. Let the soft leaves spill out over a path or lawn edge.

Coastal and sandy gardens. In light, sandy or gravelly soil with open sun and airflow, it looks at home and asks for very little.

Wildlife gardens. A refuge for small birds, and a nectar source in spring. Pair it with grevilleas and correas so something is in flower across more of the year.

Growing Albany Woolly Bush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade in an open, airy spot. It prefers a Mediterranean climate with dry summers, so it suits southern states and inland gardens best. It adapts to more humid summers, but plants may be shorter lived there.

Soil. Light, free draining sandy or gravelly soil with a neutral to low acid pH. Heavy clay is the wrong home for it, so mound the soil up or choose a different shrub.

Water and feed. Water regularly until established, then ease back. Feed once a year with a low phosphorus native plant food, never with a general garden fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune very lightly, and only to shape it. Taking off soft tips keeps the plant dense.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Albany Woolly Bush as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Plant it into prepared, free draining soil and mulch around it, then expect steady growth through the warmer months as the roots settle.

The tube is grown for us and is not in constant supply. It shows as sold out whenever our grower has none, and the notify button on the page sends you an email the day it is available again.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More Australian native shrubs
• Plants that attract birds
• Plants for coastal areas
• Designing a native garden for wildlife

Common questions

How wide does it grow?

Expect about 1.5m high and anywhere from 1.5m to 3m across. Plant it 2m from its neighbours so it can spread without crowding.

Will it grow in a humid garden?

It will adapt to humid summers, but plants may be shorter lived. Full sun, light sandy soil and good airflow give it the best chance.

Does it flower much?

The flowers are tiny and red, held at the stem tips in spring. They are a nectar bonus for birds and bees, and the foliage is the real feature.