Atriplex semibaccata

‘Creeping Saltbush’

FAMILY: Atriplex

USES: Primarily used as a groundcover and also does well as a cascading plant over terraces, in green walls, pioneer plant, for soil stabilisation and as a barrier plant. A good shoreline plant and one of the very few that will grow under Eucalyptus and Acacia plantations.

SIZE: Grows 35cm – 1m tall with a 1.8 – 3m spread. Medium growth rate. Has a prostrate, mounding habit. Densely branched. A tough plant.

LOCATION: Full sun and reflected heat. Accepts coastal locations and also does well in desert areas and accepts hot, dry desert wind.

SOIL: Tolerant of most soils although is best in a free draining soil with a deep profile. pH 6.6 – 9.0, neutral to strongly alkaline. Does not do well in acidic soils.

FERTILISER: Apply a slow release 14:14:14 NPK every three to four months. Wash leaves occasionally to remove wind blow sand and dust.

WATER: Keep soil moist. Drought tolerant for periods of 2 – 4 weeks once established, preferring regular applications for best growth. Does not accept over irrigation or waterlogging in poorly drained soils.