Adenanthos Sericeus 'Silver Sensation'

Silver Woolly Bush / Woolly Bush

Botanical Name: Adenanthos sericeus ‘Silver Sensation’
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: South-west Western Australia (Albany coast)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub (can be lightly clipped as an informal screen)

Overview

‘Silver Sensation’ is a superior selection of the Australian woolly bush, admired for its extra-soft, silver-blue foliage and refined, upright form. Perfectly suited to Adelaide and coastal South Australian gardens, it provides year-round texture and contrast with minimal maintenance. Small, nectar-rich red flowers appear mainly in spring–summer, attracting birds and pollinators. Exceptionally drought-, wind-, and salt-tolerant, this variety thrives in free-draining soils and low-water landscapes, making it a standout for modern native and coastal designs.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2-3 m H x 1.5-2.5 m W (keep smaller with light clipping)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Very fine, feathery, woolly leaves; dense silver-blue appearance; new growth may flush soft bronze or green
• Flowers: Small tubular red to orange-red blooms, spring–summer (subtle, bird-attracting rather than showy)
• Seasonal Interest: Luminous silver foliage year-round; light red nectar flowers in warmer months for seasonal texture and wildlife interest
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich flowers attract honeyeaters, bees, and other pollinators; dense foliage provides refuge for small birds
• Tolerance: Excellent drought and heat tolerance once established; Front-line coastal and wind-tolerant – ideal for exposed SA sites; Handles light frost (occasional tip-burn in heavy frosts recovers readily); Prefers low-humidity areas and free-draining soils
• Planting Density: Informal screen/hedge: 1–1.5 m apart; Mass planting: 1.5–2.5 m apart; Specimen: Allow 3–4 m from other large shrubs or trees
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs; safe in family and pet-friendly gardens

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (best foliage colour in full sun)
• Soil: Sandy or loamy, well-drained soils; tolerates limestone and mild alkalinity; avoid waterlogging and high-phosphorus fertilisers
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: low water—deep soak every 3–4 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); rarely in winter unless dry
• Maintenance: Light tip prune after flowering to keep compact and encourage dense growth. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood. Mulch annually in spring and apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser if needed. Minimal care otherwise.
• Lifespan: 15–25+ years in well-drained, low-humidity sites around South Australia
• Climate Zones: Ideal for Mediterranean and temperate SA, including Adelaide plains, coastal suburbs, Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas, and the Fleurieu Coast
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline; lime-tolerant; avoid strongly acidic or poorly drained soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Coastal windbreaks and informal screening
• Silver contrast against darker native shrubs and evergreens
• Feature shrub for modern native or waterwise gardens
• Mass planting for texture in low-water coastal landscapes
• Perfect companion for Eremophila, Lomandra, Westringia, and native grasses

Why You Will Love It

Soft, silvery foliage that glows in the sunlight, low-water needs, and a naturally elegant form make Adenanthos sericeus ‘Silver Sensation’ a perfect choice for Adelaide and South Australian gardens. It delivers striking coastal beauty and lasting resilience where many plants fail.