This shrub to small tree has a short trunk with many ascending spreading branches that form a compact rounded habit. It has silvery grey green soft needle-like leaves and the bright red tube-shaped flowers appear amongst the foliage from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Adenanthos sericeus is naturally found in south-west Western Australia on the Esperance Plains near Esperance and Albany growing on the coastal sandhills and amongst granite outcrops. 

It prefers an open to expose sunny position and grows in very well-drained, poor sandy stony soil and is very drought and wind tolerant but frost tender. It regenerates from seed after fire.

Woolly Bush is grown for its dense upright habit and its attractive soft foliage. It is planted parks and gardens along the borders or as a specimen in large rockery. It is also grown in coastal gardens tolerating salt laden winds and can be trained to form a small tree.

It is suitable for coastal and inland regions and establishes in 3-4 years and is moderately long-lived. This shrub can also be grown in large pots or tubs and is used in arid gardens tolerating hot dry conditions. ID 2417

Adenanthos (a-den-AN-thos) sericeus (ser-IK-ee-us)

Proteaceae (pro-tee-AY-see-ee)
Protea Family