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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Woolly Bush is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser — the Proteaceae are especially phosphorus-sensitive. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Woolly Bush with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.