Adenanthos Sericeus
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Silver Woolly Bush / Coastal Woollybush / Smoke Bush / Australian Smoke Bush
Botanical Name: Adenanthos Sericeus
Family: Proteaceae
Origin: South-west Western Australia (Albany coast)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub to small tree
Overview
Adenanthos sericeus forms a soft, feathery shrub with silvery blue-green “woolly” foliage that invites touch and adds year-round contrast. Small red to orange-red flowers are produced mainly spring to summer (sporadic at other times) and provide nectar for birds and insects. Exceptionally coastal-tolerant, wind-hardy, and low-water once established—ideal for SA’s temperate/Mediterranean gardens.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 2-5 m H x 2-4 m W (can be kept smaller with pruning)
- Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
- Foliage: Very soft, finely divided, silvery blue-green leaves; dense, tactile texture
- Flowers: Small red/orange-red tubular heads, mainly spring–summer (subtle)
- Seasonal Interest: Silver foliage year-round; spring–summer nectar bloom
- Wildlife Value: Nectar for birds and pollinators
- Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; front-line coastal & wind-tolerant; light frost
- Planting Density: Privacy screen (informal): 1–1.5 m apart; Mass/border: 1.5–2.5 m apart; Specimen: 3–4 m from the next large shrub/tree
- Pet Friendly:
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Thrives in free-draining sandy/loamy soils; lime/alkaline tolerant; avoid waterlogging and high-phosphorus fertilisers
- Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 3–4 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); rarely in winter—only if dry
- Maintenance: Minimal—tip-prune lightly after flowering to keep dense; mulch in spring; use low-P native fertiliser sparingly
- Lifespan: 10–20+ years in free-draining, coastal/low-humidity sites
- Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA, including front-line coastal
- Soil pH: Neutral (adaptable: Acidic–Alkaline, lime tolerant)
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Coastal windbreak/screen
- Mass plant for silver texture and low-water designs
- Feature against darker evergreens
- Banks/retaining walls and sandy slopes
- Modern native plantings (not a tight clipped hedge)
Why You Will Love It
That soft, silvery foliage plus serious coastal and drought toughness—a striking, low-maintenance screen or feature perfectly suited to SA conditions.