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Conospermum longifolium

smoke bush

Proteaceae Eastern New South Wales, Australia

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Conospermum longifolium is an erect shrub growing 3-7 feet (1-2 m) tall, with long, narrow leaves 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long and about 0.2-0.6 inch (5-15 mm) wide. Branched flowering panicles rise above the foliage carrying many small tubular flowers, each about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) long and covered in soft grey to blue-grey hairs. The massed hairy flowers give the panicles a soft, smoky grey appearance, which is the origin of the common name. Flowering occurs mainly in spring. Small nut-like fruits with a tuft of hairs follow. The shrub grows on sandstone heath and woodland in sandy, low-nutrient, well-drained soils. It is sensitive to phosphorus-rich fertilizers, as are other members of the family, and grows poorly in rich or poorly drained soils.

Native Range

Native to eastern New South Wales, Australia, mainly in the coastal and near-coastal sandstone country around and north of Sydney. Grows in heath and dry sclerophyll woodland on sandy, low-nutrient soils derived from sandstone.

Suggested Uses

Planted in native and low-water gardens, heath plantings, and sandy coastal gardens at 3-5 feet (1-1.5 m) spacing. The grey-blue flower panicles are used in cut and dried arrangements. It suits free-draining, low-nutrient sites rather than rich or irrigated garden beds.

How to Identify

Recognized by long, narrow leaves 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) long and branched panicles of small tubular flowers densely covered in grey to blue-grey hairs, giving a smoky appearance. Each flower is about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) long. Separated from other Conospermum spp. species in the region by its long, strap-like leaves and the grey-blue colour of the massed flower heads.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 7'

Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring

Flowers mainly in spring, from about August to November in eastern New South Wales. The smoky grey-blue panicles open over several weeks. Flowering can be heavier in the seasons following fire, which stimulates many heathland plants.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Grey to blue-grey

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.5 - 6.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-4 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to light shade in sandy, low-nutrient, well-drained soils and tolerates dry conditions once established. It is adapted to low-phosphorus soils, and phosphorus-rich fertilizers can damage or kill the roots, as in other family members. Water during establishment, then only in extended dry spells, as wet, poorly drained soils can cause root problems. It grows poorly in heavy clay or fertile garden soil. Plants can be short-lived and are often replaced after several years. Root-rot fungi affect plants in soils that stay wet.

Pruning

Tip-prune lightly after flowering to maintain a bushy shape, cutting into leafy growth rather than bare wood. Cutting back hard into old wood may not produce new shoots. Spent flower panicles can be removed to keep the shrub tidy.