Rhagodia Spinescens var. Deltophylla

Coastal Saltbush / Dune Saltbush / Rhagodia

Botanical Name: Rhagodia spinescens var. deltophylla
Family: Amaranthaceae
Origin: Australia — widespread in arid, semi-arid, and coastal regions
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub / groundcover

Overview

Rhagodia spinescens var. deltophylla is one of the toughest, most adaptable Australian natives for South Australian landscapes. Naturally found in coastal dunes, dry inland plains, and limestone-rich soils, it forms a dense, mounding shrub with distinctive blue-grey to silvery foliage. Highly drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and heat-resilient, it excels in exposed Adelaide conditions where other plants struggle.

This variety has a broader, more triangular (deltoid) leaf, giving it a softer, fuller appearance than the more spiny typical form. Its dense habit makes it ideal for erosion control, low hedging, mass planting, verges, and harsh coastal sites.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.5–1 m H × 1–2 m W (can spread wider in open areas)
• Growth Rate: 15-30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Dense, triangular to deltoid leaves; blue-grey to silver; often develops stronger silver tones in coastal or dry conditions
• Flowers: Small, inconspicuous cream-green clusters in spring–summer; followed by red berries (attractive to birds)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round silvery foliage with warm-season flowering and seasonal berry colour
• Wildlife Value: Berries attract birds; dense growth provides habitat and shelter for small birds and beneficial insects
• Tolerance: Extremely drought- and heat-tolerant; thrives in poor, alkaline, sandy and coastal soils; highly wind- and salt-tolerant; light frost hardy
• Planting Density: 1–1.2 m apart for low hedging or dense cover; 1.5–2 m apart for natural mounding spread
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs; safe for family gardens

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun preferred; tolerates light shade but with looser growth and greener foliage
• Soil: Thrives in free-draining sandy, gravelly or limestone soils; tolerates poor, dry and alkaline soils typical of SA; avoid prolonged waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment requires 2 deep soaks per week for 8–12 weeks. Once established, requires very little water—deep soak every 3–4 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); minimal in winter
• Maintenance: Very low-maintenance; prune lightly after berrying or in late winter to maintain shape; mulch annually; avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years in well-drained, low-rainfall sites
• Climate Zones: Ideal for Mediterranean and semi-arid South Australia, including Adelaide plains, Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula and coastal districts
• Soil pH: Tolerant of slightly acidic to highly alkaline soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Native and coastal gardens for year-round silver contrast
• Waterwise verges and roadside plantings
• Mass planting for erosion control on sandy banks or slopes
• Low, informal hedging or habitat plantings
• Pair with Westringia, Eremophila, Saltbush species, and Lomandra for a cohesive SA-native palette

Why You Will Love It

A resilient, waterwise native with luminous silvery foliage, Rhagodia spinescens var. deltophylla thrives in the hottest, driest and most exposed South Australian sites. It delivers structure, habitat value and year-round beauty with almost no maintenance—perfect for modern native, coastal and low-water landscapes.