Atriplex halimus
Tree purslane
- Height × spread
- 1.2m × 1.8m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a silver foliaged shrub which smallish oblong leaves and sometimes, but rarely in Britain and Ireland, small yellow flowers in spring and summer. The older foliage sometimes looks yellowish later on in the summer. When in its prime is truly lovely with a soft richness which is deeply appealing. Its natural habitat is the salt marshes of south Europe and it can take poor and dry conditions. The leaves are edible, either raw or cooked and are said to taste slightly of salt, best used in salads. This reaches 1.2m (4ft) height with 1.8m (6ft) spread.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Grey
- Stem colour
- Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1.2m
- Spread
- 1.8m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Winter
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Seaside garden, Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Hardiness
- Average winter to - 10C (RHS H4)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.