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Atriplex halimus

Mediterranean saltbush

Amaranthaceae

Mediterranean basin, North Africa, and southwestern Asia

Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Atriplex halimus is an evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub reaching 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) tall and 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) wide, with a loose, spreading framework of pale stems. The alternate leaves are oval to diamond-shaped, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, and coated in silvery-gray scales that reflect light and reduce water loss. Tiny greenish flowers appear in branched clusters from midsummer into autumn, followed by small, papery, two-lobed bracts enclosing the seed. The foliage holds its color year-round in mild climates but thins in hard winters. Plants establish quickly and reach full size within three to four years. A. halimus tolerates salt spray, saline soil, drought, and wind, which suits it to coastal and reclaimed ground. It withstands hard pruning and regrows from old wood, so it is grown as a clipped hedge. Growth becomes open and leggy in shade or rich soil, and stems can splay without trimming. The shrub is damaged below about 15F (-9C) and is short-lived on heavy, wet clay. Young shoots and leaves are edible and have a salty taste.

Native Range

Atriplex halimus is native to coastal regions and saline inland areas around the Mediterranean basin, North Africa, and southwestern Asia. It grows naturally on salt marshes, sea cliffs, and dry, alkaline soils.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a windbreak, informal screen, or clipped hedge in coastal and seaside gardens, spaced 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) apart for hedging. Used to stabilize saline or sandy soils where other shrubs fail. The silvery foliage is combined with drought-tolerant plantings in gravel and Mediterranean-style gardens.

How to Identify

Identified by silvery-gray, scaly leaves 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long on a spreading shrub 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) tall. Leaves are oval to diamond-shaped with smooth or shallowly toothed margins. The small greenish flower clusters and papery seed bracts in late summer separate it from gray-leaved shrubs such as Elaeagnus spp..

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'

Width/Spread6' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer Fall

Inconspicuous greenish flowers open from midsummer into early autumn, July through September in most regions. They are wind-pollinated and carry no scent. Papery seed bracts follow and persist on the stems into winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

silvery-gray

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.5(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

sand chalk loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-4 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow in full sun on light, free-draining soil, including sand, chalk, and saline ground. Water through the first season to establish; afterward the shrub draws on deep moisture and tolerates extended drought. Trimming in late spring keeps the framework dense, as growth opens up if left unpruned. In inland gardens, cold drying winds and temperatures below 15F (-9C) scorch or kill the top growth. Heavy, wet winter soil causes root rot and shortens the plant's life. On rich soil the stems grow soft and splay outward.

Pruning

Trim in mid- to late spring, cutting back the previous year's growth to maintain a dense outline; the shrub regrows readily from old wood. Hedges take two or three light trims through the growing season. Autumn cuts produce soft regrowth that is frost-tender.

Pruning Schedule

late spring