Species Gmelin's Saltbush
light-green flowers, leaves and lime-yellow stem

Gmelin's Saltbush

Atriplex gmelinii

Also Known As - Gmelin's Orache
Gmelin's Saltbush (Atriplex gmelinii) is a succulent shrub native to Siberia and China. This hardy bush is highly salt-tolerant and grows in soils with high salinity, making it popular along seacoasts in the Northern Hemisphere. Its fleshy leaves are gray-green in color and have a small heart shape. The plant produces small yellow or red flowers in the summer and prefers full sun exposure. Gmelin's Saltbush is favored for its hardy nature and low maintenance, making it a great choice for those unsure of their green thumbs. It is also an important habitat for birds, small mammals, and a variety of insects.

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

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red,yellow,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Water Gmelin's Saltbush (Atriplex gmelinii) once a week with 2-4 ounces of water per plant. During the first growing season, water should be applied more frequently (at least every other day) to ensure that the roots establish themselves. During the warmer months, more water may be needed as this plant species requires moist soil to grow successfully. The soil should be tested for moisture content before watering to prevent over-watering and root-rot. Avoid wetting the foliage as this can cause disease such as powdery mildew.

sunlight

Gmelin's Saltbush (Atriplex gmelinii) grows best when placed in a sunny location that receives 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant typically does not need supplemental lighting beyond what it receives from the sun. However, during the winter months the amount of sunlight received may lessen due to the shorter days. To ensure adequate light, it is recommended to provide Gmelin's Saltbush with supplemental lighting during the winter months.

pruning

Gmelin's Saltbush should be pruned in late spring through early summer. Pruning should be done sparingly and only enough to maintain the desired size and shape. Pruned branches should be thinned to half their original thickness. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and any branches that are crossed or damaged. When pruning, also remove any branches that are too close together or crossing over each other. When finished pruning, fertilize the plant to encourage growth.

Season

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

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

Harvest Fruit

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