Sea of Blue™ Saltbush

Sea of Blue Saltbush (Atriplex cinerea) is the groundcover for the sites nothing else will cover: salt wind, baked slopes, heavy or sodic soil, roadsides and car parks. It grows to about 300mm high and spreads 2m or more wide, a dense silver blue mat that suppresses weeds and holds soil, with slender reddish pink flower spikes from winter through spring. Selected by Ozbreed as a silver blue form of our native coast saltbush, it tolerates severe drought and frost once established.

Why you'll love it

• Silver blue foliage all year. The colour is the point: a sheet of pale blue grey that sets off green shrubs, dark mulch and sandstone, best in full sun.
• Built for the coast and the inland. Salt spray, wind, severe drought, frost and moderate humidity are all on its list, from an exposed beach front to a dry country roundabout.
• Takes the worst soils. Heavy clay, sodic and poor soils are fine, rare in a groundcover with this much colour.
• Weed suppression and erosion control. A dense mat at one to two plants a square metre closes over bare ground fast and binds slopes.
• An Australian native with wildlife value. The flowers are followed by small berries that birds take, on a plant that is itself a coastal native.

Where it works best

Groundcover and broad drifts. Plant 1m apart for cover over two seasons, or 70cm apart (two a square metre) where you want weeds smothered quickly. Each plant spreads to 2m or more, so do not plant closer than that.

Slopes, embankments and retaining walls. On a cutting or above a wall it roots along the ground and cascades over the edge, holding soil while it softens the structure.

Coastal gardens. It takes salt wind directly and keeps its colour on the dune line.

Commercial and council landscapes. Roadsides, roundabouts, car park islands and large municipal beds that need a weed suppressing cover over a big area.

Growing Sea of Blue Saltbush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with the best colour and densest growth in full sun. Ozbreed recommends it for Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia in coastal, inland and exposed sites: subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi arid gardens. It tolerates moderate humidity but is not listed for the wet tropics.

Soil. Almost anything, including the heavy clay and sodic soils that most natives reject. Drainage improves the colour but is not a requirement.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it establishes, then leave it to the weather; established plants tolerate severe drought. Feed every one to two years for the best colour and growth.

Pruning. Trim once a year in spring or autumn to keep the mat dense and the foliage fresh. It is vigorous, so where it meets a path or a neighbouring bed, prune the edge or use a physical barrier.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Sea of Blue Saltbush as tube stock and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical choice for broad drifts and slopes and establish fast in warm soil; the 140mm plants give a head start where you want cover in the first season. Saltbush travels well and takes off once the roots reach open ground.

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 full saltbush range
• See the full Ozbreed range
• More coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Groundcover plants for large areas

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it?

1m apart for general cover, 70cm where fast weed suppression matters. One plant covers 2m or more, so resist planting closer.

Will it take over?

It spreads vigorously by design. Keep it off paths and out of neighbouring beds with a yearly trim, an edge cut as needed or a physical barrier.

Does it grow in clay?

Yes. Heavy and sodic soils are among the soils it tolerates, which is unusual for a silver leafed plant.