Adenanthos sericeus, commonly known as Coastal Woollybush, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the sandy soils and coastal heathlands of southwestern Australia. It typically grows to a height of 3-5 meters with a similar spread, and is characterized by its soft, deeply divided, hairy leaves that give the plant a silvery appearance. The bright red flowers are small and inconspicuous, blooming sporadically throughout the year, but the plant is valued for the color and texture of its dense foliage rather than its floral display.

Coastal Woollybush is highly regarded for its ability to withstand salt-laden winds, making it an excellent choice for coastal screening and windbreaks. Its unique foliage texture and color also make it a popular ornamental plant in gardens, and it is often used as an alternative Christmas tree in its native region. The plant’s silvery leaves are sought after in the cut flower industry due to their long vase life, which can extend up to 30 days. For optimal growth, Coastal Woollybush requires full sun to part shade, medium water, and well-drained soils. It is not suited to heavy pruning due to the absence of a lignotuber, so light shaping is recommended to maintain its form.CC BY-SA 4.0