Botanical name:

Atriplex cinerea

Common name(s):

Grey saltbush

About:

Found in the northern coastal areas and also around Nelson, A. cinerea is known for forming a dense and spreading bush that can grow up to approximately 1m tall, showcasing its attractive grey-white foliage. This plant thrives best in dry situations, making it well-suited for sunny or semi-shaded environments. To ensure it maintains a pleasing shape and promotes healthy growth, regular pruning is essential and highly recommended to uphold a good habit.

Natural habitat:

Coastal. On boulder beaches, within salt marshes, on barrier bar sand spits and shell banks.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Salt, Wetland, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Island. Collected from Boulder Bank in Nelson in 1960 and DUrville Island in 1961, still present in the Waimea Estuary.

Height: 1m

Flowering:

August – June with a red/pink or yellow coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

September - August

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Forests, Pioneer Plantings & Container Friendly.

How to grow:

Easy to grow from cuttings. Plant layers itself producing adventitious roots off decumbent stems. Seed and cuttings may be collected at any time. Cuttings establish well in river sand. Plant grows well in full sun and wind in a gritty free-draining soil. Also grows well in soils with a high pH and bird manure.