Incense Plant Cultivation

Incense Plant

From the family Asteraceae.

A native of South A.  JX.  Australia, Africa and Madagascar. The Latin, 'Humea', is in honor of Lady Hume of Wormleybury. It was changed in 1993 to Calomeria. The incense plant was a favorite of the Victorians, who put it in their front rooms or conservatories.

Species

Calomeria amaranthoides (Humea elegans) Incense Plant Tender biennial (sometimes annual). Hight up to 1.8m (6ft), spread 90cm (3ft). Tiny, delicate, coral flower bracts, very numerous on large branches. Large, oblong mid-green leaves.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Being a biennial, this is grown from the small seed, which is viable for only a short time. Collect from the plants in the summer, when ripe, and sow immediately into prepared seed or plug trays using the bark, peat compost (see p.591). Leave the seeds uncovered. Over winter in a cold frame and cover the seed tray with glass or polythene. Germination is lengthy and very erratic. Pot on seedlings as soon as they appear, taking care not to injure the roots. Grow young plants in a cool, frost-free environment, and keep the roots almost dry through winter. In spring gradually encourage growth by watering and potting on.

Pests and Diseases

As a container-grown plant, it suffers from greenfly and red spider mite. Keep an eye out for these and use a horticultural liquid soap as soon as they appear.

Maintenance

Spring: Prick out first year's plants. Pot up second years.

Summer: Feed and water regularly. Collect seeds off second year's plant and sow immediately.

Autumn: Protect first year's plants.

Winter: Protect plants from frost. Keep watering to the minimum.

Garden Cultivation

Do not plant outside until the night temperature no longer falls below 4°C (40°F). Plant in an area protected from the wind; even here, a stake is recommended. It prefers a light soil and a sunny position. All in all, it makes a better indoor plant, where the marvelous scent can be enjoyed.

Harvesting

Collect flowers for drying in summer. Dry for use in potpourris.

Container growing

The incense plant is very ornamental and is the ultimate pot plant, growing to over 1.5m (5ft). It is, however, rarely seen because it needs a good deal of attention and protection. Use the bark, grit, peat compost (see p.591), and regularly pot up and liquid feed throughout its short life until a pot size of 30cm (12in) in diameter is reached. Place in full sun and water through the growing season.

Other uses

Use in potpourris.