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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Proteaceae (Proteas) |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Red |
| Bloomtime: Year-round |
| Synonyms: [A. sericea] |
| Height: 6-10 feet |
| Width: 4-6 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Adenanthos sericeus (Coast Woollybush) - This fine-textured upright shrub or small tree typically grows to 6-10 feet tall with wispy stems that are covered with soft gray needle-like foliage that is very soft to touch and flushes pink in new growth. The small red flowers appear at the base of the leaves off and on throughout the year. It grows best in full sun along the coast and partial shade in warmer locations with little to moderate water once established in a well-draining soil. An excellent choice for a coastal planting as it is both salt and wind tolerant though not tolerant of heavy clay or wet soils. Cold hardy to about 20-25° F although tip damage has been noted around 24° F in a central California nursery. A beautiful plant for the garden and great for cut foliage. Coast Woolybush is native to King George Sound on the southern coast of Western Australia, where it grows within splashing distance to the ocean. The name Adenanthos comes from the Greek 'aden' meaning "a gland" and 'anthos' meaning "a flower" and is in reference to the flowers' prominent nectaries. The specific epithet is the Latin word meaning "silky" in reference to this plants very soft foliage. We have sold this plant previously as Adenanthos sericea but changed our listing to Adenanthos sericeus on the advice of Dr. Charles Nelson, author of the section on Adenanthos (Proteaceae) in the Flora of Australia (16: 314-342). In the past we also grew a selection of this plant we called Adenanthos sericeus 'Sherwood Mist') that had a bit more of a compact growth form and slightly greener leaves.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We will also incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information about this plant, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Adenanthos sericeus.
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