Berry Saltbush - Atriplex semibaccata - Care Guide
Atriplex semibaccata! Also referred to as Berry Saltbush or Creeping Saltbush, it grows in a range of habitats throughout
Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales, but has also been introduced into other states and even to overseas countries. You'll often find this small shrub
in woodlands that are close to salt lakes. This native produces delicious red, diamond shaped fruits.
These little edible berries generally have a crisp, salty-sweet flavour. You can eat them raw on their own, or use them to make jams!
You can expect this spectacular native to blossom with its fruits and flowers year round.
Once the fruits have turned a red colour, that's when they're ready for harvest. Waiting until this stage will guarantee the most flavour!
Quick Care
| Botanical Name |
Atriplex semibaccata
|
| Size Plant: | Seedling pot, min 20 cm tall |
| Frost Tolerance: |
Frost Tolerant
|
| Drought Tolerance: | Drought Tolerant |
| Soil Type: |
Well-drained, sandy soils
|
| Sun: | Full-sun/Part-shade |
| Size: | 0.8m Shrub |
| Pots: | Does well in pots |
| Feeding: | Feed a high-quality native plant food every 6 months. |
Planting
For best results, plant your Ruby Saltbush in well-drained sandy soil and place your plant in full sun. You can also grow in part shade for reasonable results. This dense, succulent can attain a height of up to 0.8m. It's the perfect succulent to use as a ground cover in your garden.
Frost tolerance
Ruby Saltbush is a hardy species and is able to tolerate frost of up to -5 degrees. If you live in a cooler climate like Melbourne keeping your plant well protected is super important, however this species will be able to tolerate the frosty conditions.
Sunlight
This lovely species does well in full sun but it can thrive in part sun but with lower fruiting amounts.
Maintenance
Watering & Drought Tolerance
Water your Berry Saltbush regularly when first planted. Once established, it is highly tolerant of hot, dry periods and can survive with little water.
Fertilising your Berry Saltbush
Being a plant that generates fruit, it's important to ensure continued fruiting that you feed well. We recommend feeding your plant every spring and autumn with a complete organic-based fertiliser formulated for native plants.
Harvesting
Harvesting should be done when the fruits have turned a red colour, that's when they're ready. Waiting until this stage will guarantee the most flavour!
Growing Berry Saltbush in pots
Berry Saltbush does well in pots. Be sure to keep it in a sunny spot on a balcony or backyard. Use a high-quality potting mix without fillers or additives and add your own plant food for the highest success.