Old Man Saltbush

Old Man Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) is a rugged Australian native shrub with silver-grey leaves, growing 2m to 3m high and 2m to 4m wide. This is the wild species form, big and bold, and it thrives where little else survives: salt wind, baking clay, poor sand and months without rain.

Why you'll love it

• Tough in salt, wind and drought. It grows from frontline coastal dunes to the arid red centre, so a difficult garden is rarely a problem.
• Silver foliage. Round to triangular silver-grey leaves reflect the sun and shine out at night beside a drive or road.
• Deep roots that hold ground. The roots knit sand dunes together and make it a practical choice for erosion control.
• Helps with salty soil. Plantings of saltbush can reduce soil salinity, preparing the ground for other plants later.
• Bush tucker and forage. The leaves have been eaten as bush tucker and are good forage food for stock.

Where it works best

Windbreaks and exposed sites. Plant 2m apart for a windbreak. The wide, spreading habit knits into a dense silver barrier that shelters more tender plants behind it.

Coastal gardens and dunes. Salt-soaked wind that scorches most shrubs leaves it untouched, which makes it a natural frontline plant for the coast.

Banks, driveways and roadsides. Its deep roots stabilise slopes, and its silver colour brightens driveway and roadside plantings.

Growing Old Man Saltbush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It thrives across most of Australia, from coastal dunes to the arid inland, and tolerates frosty spots. It does not like the high humidity of the tropical north, so it is a poor match there.

Soil. It tolerates most soil types, including clay, salt, sand and very alkaline ground, and it copes with seasonal flooding. Avoid ground that is permanently boggy.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well during dry periods while it is establishing. Established plants tolerate severe drought and neglect, although in a garden setting the foliage looks better with some water in dry spells.

Pruning. Prune in spring or autumn to keep it tidy or to trim it to shape. An annual trim keeps this wayward shrub looking groomed in an urban garden.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Old Man Saltbush as tube stock, 140mm pots in packs of 10 and 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and is the economical choice for windbreaks and large areas, while the pots give a larger plant from day one.

Tube stock is supplied by our grower and is not always on hand. When it shows as sold out, use the notify button on the page and you will be emailed 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

• The full saltbush range
• Plants for windbreaks
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Planning a coastal garden that survives salt and wind

Common questions

Can I use it as a hedge?

As an informal one, yes. It is a big, wayward shrub in its wild form, so give it room and an annual trim in spring or autumn. For a tight, formal hedge, choose a more compact plant.

How much water does it need?

Regular water while it establishes, then very little. Once settled it tolerates severe drought, though it looks fuller with a drink in the driest weather.

Will it cope with the humid tropics?

It struggles with high humidity in the tropical north. It does best in drier or temperate climates, and it is at home on coasts and in the arid inland.