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Annual Biennial

Calomeria amaranthoides

amaranth feathers

A frost tender, erect and branching biennial to 2m tall with aromatic, lance-shaped leaves. Airy heads of small, tubular, pink to reddish-brown flowers are borne from summer into autumn

Other common names
incense plant
plume bush
Synonyms
Humea elegans
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Brown Pink Red Green
Autumn Brown Pink Red Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Leaves and flower bracts may cause skin irritation. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Calomeria is the genus of one species of highly aromatic biennial, native to Southern Australia. They have simple, alternate leaves and large, branched pyramid-shaped panicles of very small, tubular flower heads in summer.

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SE Australia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Frost tender requiring a minimum temperature of 40°C

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to a virus

Get involved

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