Re: Atriplex halimus

Dear Damian
My Atriplex halimus is about five metres across by two metres high, full of butterflies and birds
(Sardinian Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Italian Sparrows), withstands trampling by climbing dogs (sic!),
a beautiful colour highlighting the nearby Aleppo pines, tamerisk, oleander and pittosporum. They are
about the lowest-care plants in the garden, though beware of them getting straggly (see below)
It is only this small as I keep it in check, otherwise it would eat up the house! An excellent choice,
and incredibly easy to take cuttings - simply tear a piece of mature wood off (I've never seen any
sign of fungal illness) and plonk it in the ground. Six months later you'll be pruning back the new
growth. However, a word of warning: it does not appreciate being pruned back hard - I've tried it with
two very straggly ones I inherited and they both died instantly!


Anthony

Damian Martin wrote:

> I have just planted a hedge of Atriplex halimus, a plant which,
> according to the books, grows wild in salt pans and poor soil areas of
> Mediterranean and central Spain. I've never actually seen one in the
> wild, probably because I never looked closely enough. I understand it
> makes a large bushy hedge up to 2 m. high and tolerates drought and
> minimal care. Sounds about right for us! The plantlings are only a few
> inches tall right now so I find it difficult to visualise the end
> result. Anyone have any experience of this plant? BTW, we are working on
> a low-care wildlife garden to integrate into our plot, already forested
> with native mature Holm oak (Q. ilex) and Juniper (J. oxycedrus).
>
> Damian Martin
> Talavera de la Reina, Spain
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