Atriplex halimus

The Atriplex halimus, also known as Sea Purslane or halime, but also as sea purslane, is an evergreen bush that thrives in coastal gardens. The plant forms a beautiful and large light grey ball in a few years, dense and very defined, which maintains a beautiful presence throughout the year despite wind, cold, drought, and presence of salt in the soil. Not demanding, tolerating pruning very well, it is among the best bushes to create a frontline hedge that will protect more fragile plants from spray.

The Atriplex halimus belongs to the family of chenopodiaceae or amaranthaceae depending on the classification, it is a cousin of spinach. It is native to Europe and the Mediterranean basin, where it is always found in salty to excessively salty soil not far from the sea or salt deposits. It is also an extremely drought-resistant bush, capable of growing in semi-desert areas of North Africa. Its growth is rapid and its vegetation is very dense and impenetrable. It has a naturally round and wide habit. Ultimately, this sea purslane will reach an average of 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) to 1.75 m (5 ft 8 in) in all directions. From the stump, upright branches form a very dense network, as well as suckers that allow it to spread in width. The foliage is evergreen in winter. The leaves are small, ovate in shape, and silver-grey on both sides. They are edible and their slightly salty taste is appreciated for enhancing salads. The stems and leaves are covered with small scales that give them a velvety appearance. Flowering takes place in July-August, in the form of insignificant greyish flowers. It is preferable to trim the faded flowers, which give the plant a somewhat neglected appearance. The plant is hardy down to at least -12°C (10.4 °F), or even -15°C (5 °F) in exceptionally well-draining soil.

The Atriplex halimus will naturally find its place in coastal gardens, where it can be used as a free or trimmed hedge, in a shrub border, or on a large slope. It can be associated with other evergreen coastal bushes that appreciate the same environments: Callistemon rigidus, cistus, Pistacia lentiscus, Pittosporum tobira, Medicago arborea, Phlomis fruticosa, oleander, Olearia traversii...