Slender Russian-thistle Plant Care

Slender Russian-thistle (Salsola collina) belongs to the Amaranthaceae family within the Salsola genus.

Slender Russian-thistle displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Slender Russian-thistle produces small inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Slender Russian-thistle every 10–14 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.

Slender Russian-thistle thrives in full sun.

Salsola collina tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Slender Russian-thistle prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Slender Russian-thistle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Slender Russian-thistle 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 and well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Slender Russian-thistle is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Slender Russian-thistle can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Slender Russian-thistle 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.

Slender Russian-thistle is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Slender Russian-thistle can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to leafless saltwort plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Slender Russian-thistle is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Slender Russian-thistle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Slender Russian-thistle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.