Atriplex longipes

RHS Plant Profile

long-stalked orache

Other common names

llygwyn hirgoes

Annual Biennial

A saltmarsh specialist, found in coastal areas. Sprawling stems carry triangular leaves and spikes of small, blobby, green flowers in late summer and early autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Sand

Size

Time to Maturity: 1 year

Growing Conditions

Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Amaranthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: Yes
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus: Atriplex can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or sub-shrubs, with simple, often silvery, leaves and usually inconspicuous flowers in summer
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: NW & N Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Found naturally in saltmarshes, seaside locations and salted roadsides. Tolerates salt-laden soil and winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Coastal
Gravel garden

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free