A soft, feathery WA shrub clothed in silky silver-green foliage that begs to be touched, with small red flowers tucked among the leaves. A popular living Christmas tree and textural feature.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 4 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Woolly Bush
Botanically, Adenanthos sericeus is a fast-growing shrub in the Proteaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 4 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Red flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Woolly Bush
Woolly Bush suits Mediterranean, warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Woolly Bush does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Woolly Bush handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Woolly Bush after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Woolly Bush in the garden
Woolly Bush earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, a fast screen or informal hedge and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Woolly Bush with plants that share its preference for very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Woolly Bush
Plant Sale lists Woolly Bush as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
