Silver Sensation Woolly Bush

Silver Sensation Woolly Bush (Adenanthos sericeus 'Silver Sensation') is a more compact, more silvery selection of the Western Australian native, and a little slower growing than the species. Soft lime grey, hair-like leaves cover tall upright stems. The listed size is 1m to 5m tall and 1m to 1.5m wide, and because this is the compact form, plan on the smaller end of that range.

Why you'll love it

• A silver cast. More silvery than the species, the fine, hairy leaves catch the light and shimmer when the wind moves them.
• Compact and steady. It grows a little slower than the species, so it is easier to fit into a medium sized garden.
• An all native Christmas tree. In a large pot the silver green branching makes a Christmas tree that has nothing to do with pines.
• Takes sea air. It stands up to coastal salty winds and sandy soil, which makes it a sound pick on the coast.
• Feature or screen. Plant a single specimen as a focal point, or a row as a privacy screen.

Where it works best

Feature shrub. On its own in a gravel bed or a sunny corner, the silver foliage stands out against darker plants and warm paving.

Coastal privacy screen. Plant 1m apart in a row for a soft, silvery screen that stands up to salt wind. As a slower grower it takes longer to close up than the species does.

Large pots and cutting. In a big container it makes the Christmas tree, and the soft stems are valued in the floristry trade for cutting.

Growing Silver Sensation Woolly Bush in Australia

Position and climate. Give it full sun to part shade and an open, airy site. It likes dry summers and dry climates, so the southern states and inland gardens suit it most easily. In humid summer areas, plant at the top of a slope with absolutely free drainage.

Soil. Sandy or gravelly soil that drains freely, with a neutral to low acid pH. It grows on sandy granite in the wild, so avoid heavy, wet ground.

Water and feed. Mulch the roots and water well until it is established. Choose a low phosphorus native fertiliser, and keep general garden fertilisers away from it.

Pruning. Very light pruning only, to shape. Cut soft tips if you want some for the vase, and avoid hacking back into bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Silver Sensation Woolly Bush as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and silvery, and it is a steady grower rather than a sprinter, so plant it where it can mature in peace.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

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 Australian native shrubs
• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Shrubs for privacy
• Designing a native garden for wildlife

Common questions

How is it different from the ordinary woolly bush?

It is more compact, more silvery and a little slower growing. The species is the taller, faster form.

Will it take salty wind?

Yes. It stands up to coastal salty winds and sandy soil, though it still needs excellent drainage.

How far apart for a screen?

Plant 1m apart in a single row. The plants are 1m to 1.5m wide, so they close up into a loose screen rather than a clipped hedge.