Australian Woolly Bush (Adenanthos sericeus) – Soft, Silvery and Easy to Grow
The Australian Woolly Bush (Adenanthos sericeus) is one of those plants you can’t help but touch. The fine, silvery foliage feels soft and velvety, and the plant’s relaxed, coastal look works beautifully in a wide range of garden styles. Whether you call it woolly bush, wooly bush, wolly bush, wooley bush, woolie bush, or woolybush, it’s the same striking Australian native.
It suits many uses – from hedging and screening to feature planting or growing in pots. In spring and summer, small red woolly bush flowers (Adenanthos sericeus flowers) appear, bringing in native birds and pollinators.
Key Features
- Soft, silvery foliage with year-round appeal
- Low-maintenance once established – woolly bush care is straightforward
- Moderate to quick woolly bush growth rate – takes shape within a couple of years
- Can reach 2–5 metres woolly bush height in the ground, but stays smaller in pots or with pruning
- Works well as a wooly bush hedge or as a single statement plant
About the Flowers
The flowers are small and red – not overly showy, but loved by birds and insects. They provide a subtle splash of colour against the plant’s silver backdrop.
Growing Woolly Bush in Pots
The woolly bush in pots option is ideal for smaller gardens, patios or balconies. Use a premium native potting mix, place it in a sunny position, and trim lightly to keep it compact.
Quick Facts
- Botanical name: Adenanthos sericeus
- Common names: Woolly Bush, Wooly Bush, Woolie Bush
- Height: 2–5 metres in the ground
- Flowers: Small red blooms, spring–summer
- Growth rate: Moderate to fast
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Care: Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established
For anyone wanting a hardy Australian native with soft texture, silver tones, and wildlife appeal, the Australian Woolly Bush is an excellent choice for gardens of all sizes.
Light requirement: Full Sun and Part sun/part shade
Water requirement:
Watering frequency:
Soil:
Skill level:
Growth rate: Intermediate
Suitable for containers:
More info:
External links to more info:
Drought tolerance: High
Frost tolerance: Low
Wind tolerance: Medium
Disease and pest susceptibility:
Mature height:
Mature width:
Suitable for shaping:
Colour: Greyish green
Variegation: No
Size: Small/medium
Seasonality:
Flowering: Yes; profuse/bright display
Flower colour: Orange
Flower fragrant:
Flowering season: Autumn, Spring, Summer, Winter
Fruit:
Let customers speak for us
