Species Gardner's Saltbush
lime foliage and flowers

Gardner's Saltbush

Atriplex gardneri

Gardner's Saltbush (Atriplex gardneri) is a native plant of the Great Basin desert regions of the western United States. This evergreen shrub has a highly variable height, from 1 to 6 feet tall, depending on its environment. Its silvery-gray leaves are thick and fleshy and its stems are covered with a waxy coating. It is drought-tolerant and does well in dry, saline, or alkaline soils. In the spring, it produces tiny, yellow-green flowers. Usually found in clumps or colonies, Gardner's Saltbush provides food and shelter for many wildlife species. It is an important component of natural landscapes in its native range.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

green,red,yellow,purple,orange Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,purple,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Gardner's Saltbush should be watered regularly during the growing season. Generally, this means 1 to 2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or from supplemental irrigation. Depending on the climate and soil condition, it may be necessary to increase or decrease the amount of irrigation. It is best to water at the base of the plant, either with a hose or with a soaker hose, rather than overhead sprinklers. During dry periods, the plant may need more frequent watering. After the plant is established (after 1-2 years), water needs decrease, though it is still important to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during summer months.

sunlight

Gardner's Saltbush (Atriplex gardneri) does well in strong, direct sunlight but should be given some shade during the hottest hours of the day. For optimal growth resulting in adequate flowering, Gardner's Saltbush should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ideally, the plant should receive patches of partial shade throughout the hottest hours, between 10am and 4pm. During cooler months, the sun exposure can range up to 10 hours per day.

pruning

Gardner's Saltbush (Atriplex gardneri) should be pruned once a year, typically in late winter or early spring. Pruning can help maintain a desired shape and size. Start pruning by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and then cut back all the remaining branches by 1-third of their current length. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make each cut. Try to prune back to a node or budding point to encourage healthy new growth. Keep in mind that pruning too much can cause aging of the foliage. Avoid over-pruning and only trim to achieve the desired size.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Atriplex gardneri is a perennial shrub that is typically harvested in late summer and early fall, usually between August and October.

Harvest Fruit

Atriplex gardneri is a perennial shrub that is typically harvested in late summer and early fall, usually between August and October.