There is definitely something unique, attractive and very Australian about Old Man Saltbush.

Are the leaves green, grey or silver? Look closely, each little salt crystal is almost seen sparkling in the sunlight. The fresh new growth can have burgundy-pink stems and a white powdery finish like frost. These details are truly magical, nature just provides the best colour schemes and these varying combinations on Saltbush are no doubt striking.

This photo was taken in the early 1900s, (possibly100 years ago) probably in the Gulgong area NSW.
A well kept Old Man Saltbush plant is seen in the background.
Seated in a courtyard reading a book is Isabella Ann Denman.

When Saltbush is growing well and pruned regularly its contrasting foliage makes the bush an eye catching feature in the home garden.

Saltbush is tough, hardy and in these times of extremely low rainfall it has an ability not to just survive but grow well. Old Man Saltbush is a must for any water-wise gardener because once established Saltbush has minimal water requirements. Drought is forever in the mind of most gardeners on this continent. Saltbush may provide an innovative solution to the gardening restrictions imposed by any drought.

This photo was taken in about 1947 at “River View” Pilliga NSW.
William Nelson Proctor is on his favourite horse “Jackie”.
Note the Buick car in the background parked next to an Old Man Saltbush hedge.

Saltbush is probably best known because for its suitability as a hedging and screening plant and was commonly used in this way in old fashioned gardens. A solid bushy effect is made when seedlings are planted with one metre spacings between them. The old photos in this document are fabulous examples of these hedges in home gardening situations.

As an added bonus Old Man Saltbush has high fire resistant qualities. Salt in the leaves and the insulating influence of the dense foliage give Saltbush an ability to increase protection if fire is threatening property.

Finally, just for fun consider growing Old Man Saltbush in a large pot; it may be pruned in its natural rounded shape or try a little topiary. Shapes are only limited by the imagination. Those with limited creative pruning skills could try using a prefabricated figure fashioned from chicken wire and clip the foliage into this shape once the chicken wire is covered by the foliage. Match or contrast the Saltbush foliage with a decorative pot and just picture the kind of designer decor effect that may be achieved with this truly Aussie plant.

Cultural Notes for Old Man Saltbush Seedlings:

Plant seedlings into the garden as soon as they arrive to avoid any unnecessary set back in growth. Saltbush seedlings are very anxious to grow and any delay will unnecessarily confine their natural vigour significantly.

Once seedlings are planted water well to settle the garden soil around the roots, this eliminates any air pockets that may quickly dry the roots out.

Mulching seedlings is always a good idea to help conserve moisture around the base of the plant. Weed suppression by the mulch gives seedlings a great advantage during establishment.

Keep seedlings moist for the first week after planting while the roots begin to grow out into the soil. Then gradually reduce water applications until plants are fully established.

Saltbush plants appreciate some additional fertiliser once they are well settled into their positions. Introduce complete fertilisers or manures gently and gradually while plants are small.

When the Old Man Saltbush plants are about thirty to fifty centimetres high trim the branchlets to increase bushiness. Saltbush responds very well to pruning which encourages the more attractive fresh leafy growth.

It is recommended that Old Man Saltbush is grown in garden soils with a pH of six or higher.