Scientific Name : Atriplex Hortensis

Planting :   It can be planted directly in the garden or started indoors 4 weeks before the planting date. The seeds require cool conditions during germination below 21.C and should be lightly covered with 1cm of soil. Allow 7-14 days for germination and space plants 23cm apart in the garden, grows to a height of 1.8m. To keep the stems coming, make the cut at the base of the stem when seed pods are fully developed, as Atriplex produces many stems per plant.

Plant Type : Hardy Annual

Appearance: An erect, branching stem, it varies in height from 60cm – 1.8m, according to the variety and soil. The leaves are variously shaped, but somewhat egg-shaped, comparatively thin, and slightly acidic to the taste. The flowers are small and obscure, greenish or reddish, corresponding to a degree with the colour of the foliage of the plant.

Special Features : Atriplex plants are known for their ability to retain salt in their leaves, allowing them to thrive in areas affected by soil salination. The green leaves were once used to colour pasta in Italy and has a salty, spinach-like taste. The leaves are used  cooked or raw in salads. 

Design features: These are wonderful fresh when they have a beautiful green or maroon even dirty pink colour or are great as a dried flower. These would be used as a line flower or alternatively as a filler.