Leucophyta brownii - A Plant For Harsh Coastal Gardens.
Coastal heath and heathlands of Australia hold a special place in my heart, easily high on the list of my favorite ecosystems. Their resilience and rugged beauty are unmatched, and the Victorian coastal heath is no exception. On a recent trip to the famed Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road, I found myself enchanted not just by the towering rock formations being battered by the surf but by the understated less famous coastal flora, particularly Leucophyta brownii, known as the Cushion Bush was on show and at peak flowering.
As throngs of tourists clambered over each other to get their photograph in front of the world famous coast line, I was drawn back from the viewing platforms towards the heathlands. The Cushion Bush captured my attention. Its silver foliage and dainty cream coloured blooms popped against the green/ brown coastal backdrop, adding a soft texture to the harsh landscape. Leucophyta brownii is nowhere near as famous as the Apostles, but it holds it own on the wild weathered coastal clifftops.
The Resilient Cushion Bush
Leucophyta brownii holds true to the reputation of the strength resilience of australia’s coastal plant communities. A tough, low-maintenance shrub, brownii thrives in challenging conditions, making it an ideal choice for gardens exposed to the pressures of coastal environments and others with depleted soils and challenging conditions. Its textural foliage and bun shaped growth habit add visual interest, while its silvery-grey and cream colour palette create a soothing presence.
Perfect for gardens that need hardy, drought-resistant, wind tolerant plants, the Cushion Bush is also an great option for erosion control. It flourishes many soil types and can tolerate saline environments, making it perfect for exposed coastal sites. It prefers a full sun position but can tolerate light shade.
Growing Cushion Bush in Your Garden
Plant Type: Small to medium shrub
Height & Width: Up to 1.2 meters
Flowering Time: Summer
Flower Color: White, cream, yellow,
Climate: Warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean, semi-arid
Soil: Sandy, loamy, clay loam, saline, poor soil; prefers well-drained conditions
Light: Sunny or very light shade
Special Uses: Drought resistance, erosion control, Wind prone environments, cut flowers
The Cushion Bush's natural mound shape can be left to grow freely or pruned for a more structured look. Its evergreen… or ever-silver nature and dense foliage provide year-round appeal, while its flowers attract a variety of native insects and pollinators, contributing to the garden's biodiversity.
