Russian Saltbush

Russian Saltbush is native to North America and a hardy, drought-tolerant species. Generally, you should water the Russian Saltbush whenever the soil is dry to a depth of 1-2 inches. It will require more regular watering during the growing season when the temperatures are warm. During the winter months, the plant needs less water. The best way to avoid over-watering is to check the soil moisture before watering. During summer months, the plant should be watered about once a week, and during the winter, it can go 2 weeks or more without watering. It’s also important to make sure the plant isn't sitting in water for too long, as this will reduce the drainage and increase the risk of root rot.

Russian Saltbush (Atriplex heterosperma) prefers full sun for optimal growth and health. The plant should receive at least 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight each day. It's recommended to place the plant in an area that receives the most direct sunlight possible during the morning and afternoon hours, although it may also benefit from some light shade during the hot mid-day hours in hot climates. Providing 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight during midday is suggested to reduce the risk of leaf burn or sunscald. The amount of sunlight during any given day will depend on the specific climate it is grown in as well as geographic location of the garden.

Russian Saltbush, or Atriplex heterosperma, should be pruned in the early spring. Prune the shrub to a quarter of its current height to encourage bushier growth. Taking off too much in 1 season can harm the plant, so it is best to prune a little at a time over several seasons. Make sure to prune the oldest wood to promote new growth while maintaining the desired shape of the shrub. Pruning the stems back is also beneficial to encourage branching and a fuller bush.