About
Calomeria amaranthoides is a biennial plant that can reach heights of up to 2 meters. This frost-sensitive species features upright, branching stems adorned with aromatic, lance-shaped foliage. From summer through autumn, it produces airy clusters of small, tubular flowers that range in color from pink to reddish-brown.
About the genus
Calomeria comprises a single biennial species known for its strong aroma, found in Southern Australia. The plant features simple, alternate leaves and produces sizable, branched panicles that bear numerous small, tubular flowers during the summer months.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
- Native to
- SE Australia
- Fragrance
- Foliage
- Toxicity
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Frost tender requiring a minimum temperature of 40°C
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a virus