Aussie Hedge Bush™ Saltbush

Aussie Hedge Bush Saltbush (Rhagodia spinescens) is a fine textured native with silvery blue grey leaves that clips into a hedge or ball, or grows as a natural mound. It reaches 1m to 1.6m high and wide, tolerates drought, frost down to minus 6 degrees and coastal wind, and asks for very little care. An Ozbreed line for native hedges and screens.

Why you'll love it

• Silvery blue grey foliage. The fine texture and cool colour set off greener plants and suit native garden designs.
• Hedge, ball or natural mound. It clips to a manicured shape or can be left naturalistic.
• Tough as nails. Drought, frost to minus 6 degrees, coastal winds and moderate humidity are all within its range.
• Almost any soil. Clay, sand, acid, neutral or alkaline, it adapts.
• Ultra low maintenance. It smothers weeds, needs only light pruning twice a year and wants minimal fertiliser.

Where it works best

Hedges and screens. Plant 1m apart in a single row. At 1m to 1.6m wide, each plant meets its neighbour.

Windbreaks and coastal borders. Coastal wind is no trouble, so it works on exposed boundaries.

Erosion control and mass planting. On banks, plant about 1m apart in staggered rows. Ozbreed's range is 0.4 to 1 plant per square metre.

Native garden design. Its fine texture and rounded habit work well repeated in groups, as a cool grey foil for greener natives and strong flowers.

Growing Aussie Hedge Bush Saltbush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Native to every state except Tasmania, it is listed for New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and non-humid inland Queensland. It is not the plant for humid coastal Queensland.

Soil. Adaptable: clay, sand, acid, neutral and alkaline soils all suit. It can be planted year round, even in conditions that would stop other plants establishing.

Water and feed. Water through the first summer to establish, then it relies on rainfall in most gardens. Fertiliser is rarely needed.

Pruning. A light prune of about 10 per cent around autumn and spring gives the best appearance.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Aussie Hedge Bush Saltbush in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Ten plants at 1m spacing make a hedge about 10m long. They arrive upright and settle in within a few weeks, with new growth in warm weather.

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

• Browse the saltbush range
• More hedging and screening plants
• More Australian native plants
• See the full Ozbreed range

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Plant 1m apart in a single row. That matches Ozbreed's one plant per linear metre.

Is it native where I live?

It is native to every state except Tasmania, though Ozbreed does not list Tasmania for this selection.

Can it handle coastal conditions?

Yes. Ozbreed lists coastal winds, frost and drought as no problem.

Will it grow in clay?

Yes. Clay, sand, and acid, neutral or alkaline soils all suit it.