Saltbush Plant Care

Saltbush (Atriplex confertifolia) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Atriplex genus. Saltbush is native to the western United States and northern Mexico. Saltbush is also known as Small-leaf Saltbush, Thick-leaf Saltbush.

Saltbush displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Saltbush produces inconspicuous flowers, often green or brown.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Saltbush every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Saltbush thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Atriplex confertifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Saltbush prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Saltbush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Saltbush every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Saltbush is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Saltbush can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Saltbush while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Saltbush is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Saltbush can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to holloway's saltbush plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Saltbush is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Saltbush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Saltbush is native to the western United States and northern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Saltbush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.