Spiny Saltbush Plant Care

Spiny Saltbush (Rhagodia spinescens) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Rhagodia genus. Spiny Saltbush is native to all mainland states and territories of Australia. Spiny Saltbush is also known as Hedge Saltbush, Thorny Saltbush.

Spiny Saltbush displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Spiny Saltbush produces small inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Spiny 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.

Spiny Saltbush thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Rhagodia spinescens tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Spiny Saltbush prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Spiny Saltbush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Spiny Saltbush every 8 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 added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Spiny 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.

Spiny Saltbush can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 2 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 Spiny 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.

Spiny 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.

Spiny Saltbush can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to broad-leaved saltbush plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Spiny Saltbush is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. 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.

Spiny Saltbush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Spiny Saltbush is native to all mainland states and territories of Australia. In cooler regions, grow Spiny Saltbush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.