Family: Proteaceae
Common Name: Smoke bush

This genus comprises around 40 species of flowering shrubs, mostly from Western Australia. When in flower in spring, these shrubs, with their masses of pale lavender, ash gray, blue or white flowers, resemble clouds of smoke, hence their common name. They have potential for gardeners, but are not easy to cultivate. The sprays of soft, woolly, dense flowers, with their intricately branched heads, are ideal both for dried arrangements and as cut flowers. The shrubs themselves provide landscape contrast and can also be trimmed into an informal hedge. Some low-growing species make good rockery plants. As their natural habitat is mostly the sandy, coastal regions of Western Australia, they are perfect for coastal gardens as they are salt-tolerant and wind-resistant. In frost-prone climates, these shrubs are best grown in a cool greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

Few of these are available outside their native country.

C. brownii is a very pretty shrub, with its almost oval leaves and neat umbels of white flowers with sapphire blue centers. It grows to only about 30 cm (12 in).

C. ephedroides, another small shrub, has reed-like foliage, slender stems and clusters of bright blue flowers which are excellent when cut.

C. mitchellii, Victorian smoke bush, grows to 3 m (10 ft), with creamy white flowers in spring.

C. triplinervium, tree smoke bush, is reasonably easy to grow and forms a tall shrub or small tree, to 3-4 m (10-13 ft). The upright plumes of soft grayish white blooms make good cut flowers in early spring.

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in pots of soil-based potting compost in bright light and airy conditions. In the garden, plant in a well-drained sunny spot. Most of the species will not tolerate humid climates.

Propagate from fresh seeds, which ripen in summer, and sow in a 3:1 mixture of coarse sand and peat. Alternatively, propagate from 10 cm (4 in) long tip cuttings, taken in early spring or autumn. These can be slow to strike. An application of fungicide before planting is recommended to avoid damping off or wilting. Do not water too much during the summer months.

Climate

Zone 9.