Adenanthos sericeus ‘Lighthouse’ (Woolly Bush)

Adenanthos ‘Lighthouse’ is a compact Australian native shrub valued for its soft silver-green foliage and naturally upright form. It is widely used in coastal gardens, native landscapes, and feature planting where texture and softness are desired.

The plant produces finely divided, silky foliage with a soft, woolly texture that gives the shrub a feathery appearance. Small red tubular flowers may appear throughout the year, attracting birds and pollinators.

Key Features

‘Lighthouse’ is known for its soft foliage texture and elegant, upright growth habit.

It provides year-round colour and structure with minimal maintenance.

Its foliage contrasts well against broader-leaved plants and hard landscaping.

Growth Habit and Size

This variety grows as an upright, dense shrub.

It typically reaches 2 to 4 metres in height, with a spread of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 metres. Growth rate is moderate.

Care Requirements

Light

Requires full sun for best growth and foliage density.

Watering

Requires regular watering during establishment. Once established, it is drought tolerant.

Avoid excessive watering and poorly drained soils.

Soil

Prefers very well-draining soil and performs well in sandy or coastal conditions.

Temperature and Climate

Suitable for temperate to coastal climates. Tolerates wind, salt spray, and dry conditions but is sensitive to heavy frost.

Maintenance

Low maintenance. Light pruning helps maintain shape and encourage dense growth.

Avoid heavy fertilising, especially with phosphorus-rich products.

Use low-phosphorus native fertiliser if needed.

Common Issues

Poor drainage may lead to root problems.

Sensitive to excessive phosphorus.

Can become sparse if grown in shade.

Applications

Adenanthos ‘Lighthouse’ is suitable for:

Feature planting
Coastal gardens
Native landscapes
Screening and informal hedging
Textural contrast planting
Low-maintenance gardens

Its soft foliage adds movement and texture to landscapes.

Specification and Care Chart

Attribute	Details
Botanical Name	Adenanthos sericeus ‘Lighthouse’
Common Name	Lighthouse Woolly Bush
Plant Type	Evergreen native shrub
Mature Height	2 m to 4 m
Growth Habit	Upright, dense
Growth Rate	Moderate
Light Conditions	Full sun
Direct Sunlight	Required
Watering Frequency	Low once established
Soil Type	Very well-draining, sandy
Drainage Requirement	Essential
Temperature Range	Temperate to coastal
Frost Tolerance	Low to light frost
Drought Tolerance	High
Maintenance Level	Low
Fertiliser	Low-phosphorus native fertiliser
Toxicity	Not commonly regarded as toxic