The Comprehensive Guide to Growing Rhagodia Spinescens

Rhagodia spinescens, commonly known as saltbush, is one of Australia’s most adaptable and resilient native shrubs.

Known for its attractive silvery-blue foliage and robust nature, it has become a go-to choice for landscape specifirs seeking low-maintenance, drought-tolerant solutions for groundcover, hedging, and amenity plantings.

This guide provides detailed advice for specifying, installing, and maintaining Rhagodia spinescens, including insights on two popular commercial cultivars: Aussie Flat Bush™ and Aussie Box® Hedge rhagodias.

Botanical Overview

• Botanical name: Rhagodia spinescens
• Common names: Creeping saltbush, spiny saltbush
• Plant type: Evergreen perennial shrub
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Origin: Widespread across mainland Australia (excluding Tasmania)

Positioning in the Landscape

Rhagodia spinescens thrives in:

• Full sun to part shade: Optimal growth in full sun, but tolerates shade.
• Exposed coastal conditions: Tolerant of wind and salt spray.
• Inland environments: Performs equally well in arid and semi-arid regions.

Recommended uses:

• Mass groundcover for erosion control
• Native habitat plantings
• Low-maintenance median strips and verges
• Coastal banks and dunes
• Formal hedging (with selected cultivars)

Soil and Drainage Requirements

• Soil types: Tolerates sandy, loamy, clay and saline soils
• pH tolerance: Slightly acidic to alkaline
• Drainage: Must be free-draining; avoid waterlogged soils
• Soil improvement: In clay soils, amend with organic matter to improve drainage

Climatic Adaptability

• Zones: Suitable for cool-temperate to arid and Mediterranean climates
• Drought tolerance: Very high once established
• Frost resistance: Withstands light frost (to approx. -6°C)
• Humidity: May struggle in high humidity and tropical wet season regions

Cultivar Spotlight

Aussie Flat Bush™

Rhagodia spinescens ‘SAB01’ PBR Trade Name Aussie Flat Bush™

• Growth habit: Low-growing, spreading groundcover
• Size: Approx. 30–50 cm high x 1 m wide
• Best for: Informal native landscapes, embankments, large-scale groundcover
• Maintenance: Minimal pruning required to control spread
• Use case: Excellent for erosion control and weed suppression

Aussie Hedge Bush™

Rhagodia spinescens ‘SAB02’ PBR Intended Trade Name Aussie Hedge Bush™

• Growth habit: Compact, mounding shrub
• Size: Approx. 1-1.6m high x 1-1.6m wide
• Best for: Formal hedging, borders, structured gardens
• Maintenance: Responds well to pruning for shape
• Use case: Native alternative to exotic box hedges

Planting and Establishment

• Planting time: Autumn or early spring preferred
• Spacing: Allow for mature spread (check individual variety info)
• Watering: Regular watering during establishment phase (6–12 months), then drought-tolerant
• Mulching: Apply mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture

Pruning and Maintenance

• Routine pruning: Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage density
• Rejuvenation: Hard prune every few years if plant becomes woody
• Fertiliser: Low fertiliser requirements; apply regular fertiliser if desired

Pests and Diseases

• Generally pest-free: Rarely affected by insects or disease
• Root rot: Avoid overwatering or poorly drained soils
• Occasional pests: Aphids or mealybugs on new growth (treat with horticultural oil if necessary)

Sustainability and Ecological Benefits

• Low water use: Ideal for xeriscaping and water-sensitive urban design (WSUD)
• Erosion control: Strong root systems bind soil on slopes and embankments
• Biodiversity: Provides shelter for small fauna and beneficial insects

Daniel’s Wrap

Rhagodia spinescens is a powerhouse plant for Australian landscapes – offering biodiversity support, soil improvement, and aesthetic appeal with minimal input.

Whether specifying for coastal developments, roadside revegetation, or formal native hedging, both the species and its cultivated forms (Aussie Flat Bush™ and Aussie Box® Hedge Rhagodia) deserve a prominent place in the professional landscape palette.

For further specification details, consult your local supplier or Ozbreed plant profile sheets.