Aussie Flat Bush

Rhagodia spinescens ‘Aussie Flat Bush’ (Creeping Saltbush)

Rhagodia spinescens ‘Aussie Flat Bush’, commonly known as Creeping Saltbush, is a low-growing, hardy Australian native ground cover with striking silver-grey foliage. This fast-spreading, drought-tolerant plant is perfect for coastal gardens, erosion control, and low-maintenance landscapes.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Rhagodia spinescens ‘Aussie Flat Bush’
• Common Names: Creeping Saltbush, Aussie Flat Bush
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Native Range: Australia
• Growth Habit:
  • Low, spreading shrub, reaching 30–50 cm high
  • Spreads up to 1.5–2 meters wide
• Leaves: Small, silvery-grey foliage, creating a striking contrast in gardens
• Flowers:
  • Small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in spring and summer
  • Not grown for flowers, but foliage is the main attraction
• Drought & Frost Tolerance: Highly drought and frost-tolerant once established
• Uses: Ground cover, erosion control, weed suppression, fire-resistant landscaping

Growing & Care Guide

1. Planting Requirements

✅ Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate part shade.
✅ Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
✅ pH: Tolerates a wide range, from acidic to alkaline soils.
✅ Location: Ideal for coastal gardens, native landscapes, and dry areas.

2. Watering & Feeding

💧 Watering:

• Young plants: Water regularly until roots establish (first 3–6 months).
• Mature plants: Extremely drought-tolerant, only requiring occasional deep watering in dry spells.

🌱 Fertilization:

• Minimal feeding required—a light application of slow-release native fertilizer in spring can encourage growth.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as it thrives in nutrient-poor soils.

3. Pruning & Maintenance

✂️ Pruning:

• Can be lightly pruned to shape or control spread.
• Responds well to hard pruning, if required, for rejuvenation.

🌿 Mulching:

• Apply organic mulch (e.g., bark or gravel) around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

4. Pests & Diseases

🐜 Pest Resistance:

• Generally pest-free, but may occasionally attract scale insects or caterpillars.
• If needed, treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

🦠 Disease Resistance:

• Resistant to most diseases; ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

5. Propagation

🌱 Propagation by Cuttings or Seeds:

• Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings root well in spring or summer.
• Seeds: Can be grown from seed, but germination is slower than cuttings.

6. Landscaping & Uses

✅ Ground Cover: Forms a dense, weed-suppressing carpet.
✅ Erosion Control: Great for stabilizing sandy and sloped areas.
✅ Coastal & Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Salt-tolerant and ideal for dry conditions.
✅ Fire-Resistant Planting: Excellent for fire-prone landscapes.
✅ Native & Wildlife Gardens: Provides shelter for small birds and insects.

Why Grow Rhagodia spinescens ‘Aussie Flat Bush’?

• Super hardy, drought-resistant, and low-maintenance.
• Striking silver-grey foliage that enhances garden contrast.
• Weed-suppressing and erosion-controlling ground cover.
• Fast-growing and easy to establish.
• Thrives in coastal, arid, and fire-prone areas.