Saltbush (Enchylaena): A Drought-Tolerant Shrub for Water-Wise Gardens
Looking for a tough, low-maintenance plant that can handle drought, salt spray, and poor soils? Meet saltbush (Enchylaena), a hardy little shrub that’s been quietly making its way into water-wise gardens across California. While this Australian native isn’t from around here, it’s earned a reputation as a reliable performer in challenging growing conditions.
What Is Saltbush?
Saltbush is a compact, multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows 3-5 feet tall and wide. Despite some conflicting information you might find online, this is actually a perennial woody plant, not an annual. Its small, fleshy leaves give it an almost succulent-like appearance, and while the tiny flowers won’t win any beauty contests, the colorful red to orange berries that follow can add a nice pop of color to the landscape.
Where Does Saltbush Come From?
Originally from Australia, saltbush has established itself in California, where it grows wild in coastal and inland areas. It’s considered a non-native species that reproduces on its own without human intervention.
Why Might You Want to Grow Saltbush?
Saltbush shines in situations where other plants struggle. Here’s what makes it appealing:
- Extreme drought tolerance: Once established, it rarely needs supplemental watering
- Salt tolerance: Perfect for coastal gardens where salt spray kills other plants
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once settled in
- Poor soil performer: Actually prefers sandy, well-draining soils that other plants find challenging
- Compact size: Won’t outgrow small spaces
Garden Design and Landscape Use
Saltbush works well as:
- Ground cover in Mediterranean-style gardens
- Filler plant in drought-tolerant landscapes
- Coastal garden specimen
- Border plant along walkways or property lines
It’s particularly suited for xeriscaping projects and gardens that need to look good with minimal water input.
Growing Conditions and Care
Saltbush is surprisingly easy to grow if you give it what it wants:
- Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy soil preferred
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Climate: USDA zones 9-11
- Maintenance: Light pruning to maintain shape, protect from hard frost
Planting Tips
Plant saltbush in spring after the last frost. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Water regularly for the first few months while roots establish, then back off significantly. The biggest mistake you can make with saltbush is giving it too much water or rich soil – it actually prefers to be a little stressed!
Wildlife and Pollinator Value
While saltbush flowers are wind-pollinated and don’t offer much for bees and butterflies, the berries can provide food for birds. However, its wildlife value is limited compared to native alternatives.
A Word About Native Alternatives
Since saltbush isn’t native to North America, you might consider these native alternatives that offer similar drought tolerance:
- Four O’Clock Bush (Mirabilis multiflora)
- Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa)
- Native California buckwheats (Eriogonum species)
These natives will provide better support for local wildlife while offering similar low-water benefits.
The Bottom Line
Saltbush isn’t going to be the star of your garden, but it’s a reliable supporting player for tough spots where you need something that just works. While it’s not native, it doesn’t appear to be invasive either, making it a reasonable choice for water-wise gardens – though native alternatives might serve your local ecosystem better. If you’re dealing with salt spray, extreme drought, or poor soils, and you need a no-fuss plant that won’t demand constant attention, saltbush might just be your new best friend.
