Incense Plant
A spectacular biennial from Australia that grows to 8 feet with cascading plumes of coral-pink flowers exuding a strong incense-like fragrance.
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Meet Incense Plant
A spectacular biennial from Australia that grows to 8 feet with cascading plumes of coral-pink flowers exuding a strong incense-like fragrance. The entire plant emits a resinous, church-incense aroma that perfumes the surrounding garden area. Grow in rich soil with consistent moisture and protect from frost, as it is hardy only in mild climates.
When to plant Incense Plant
Sow incense plant seed in spring on the surface of moist, fine seed compost—do not cover as seeds need light to germinate. Keep at 18-22°C and expect germination in 2-4 weeks. Seedlings grow slowly initially but accelerate as they establish. Pot on progressively into larger containers throughout the first year. Overwinter first-year plants in a frost-free location at 5-10°C with reduced watering. Plant out or move to final containers after the last frost of the second year.
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Used once to set your season · never sharedHow to grow Incense Plant
The incense plant is a dramatic, rare biennial that creates a sensational focal point in the garden or conservatory. In its first year, it forms a large rosette of bold, slightly sticky, aromatic leaves. In the second year, it rockets upward to 150-240cm tall, crowned with cascading plumes of coral-pink to rust-red flowers that perfume the entire garden with a heady frankincense-like scent.
Grow in rich, moisture-retentive soil in full sun. This is a hungry, thirsty plant that needs generous feeding and regular watering throughout the growing season—the opposite of most aromatic herbs. In mild climates (zones 9-12), plant directly in the garden. Elsewhere, grow in large containers (minimum 30 liters) that can overwinter in a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory.
The incense plant is a true biennial—it flowers in its second year and then dies. To maintain a continuous display, sow seed annually so you always have both first-year rosettes and second-year flowering specimens. The entire plant exudes a sticky, resinous substance that causes skin irritation in some people—handle with gloves.
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Feed it well
Unlike most aromatic herbs, the incense plant needs rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Amend planting areas generously with compost and well-rotted manure. Feed container plants weekly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. This is one of the few aromatic herbs that rewards generous feeding with better growth and flowering. Maintain consistent moisture—never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Ideal Temperature
Hardiness Zone Compatibility
From seed to harvest, stage by stage
Germination
Incense plant seeds are extremely fine and require light to germinate — they must be surface-sown and not covered with soil. Germination is slow and erratic, typically taking 14-28 days at temperatures around 18-22°C. The tiny seedlings produce a pair of small, rounded cotyledon leaves followed by the first true leaves, which already display the sticky glandular hairs and faint aromatic scent characteristic of the species.
Rosette Development (Year One)
As a biennial, the incense plant spends its entire first year building a large basal rosette of sticky, strongly aromatic leaves. The leaves are broadly lance-shaped, up to 30 cm long, grey-green in color, and densely covered with glandular hairs that exude a powerful resinous fragrance reminiscent of incense or cedar. The rosette can reach 60-80 cm across by the end of the first growing season while establishing a substantial taproot.
Overwintering
The rosette persists through winter in frost-free conditions. In its native Australian climate the plant grows year-round, but in temperate Northern Hemisphere gardens it requires protection from frost as it is not reliably hardy below -2°C. The rosette remains semi-evergreen through winter, growing slowly, and the taproot continues to develop and store energy for the explosive growth that follows in spring.
Stem Elongation (Year Two)
In its second spring the incense plant undergoes dramatic vertical growth, sending up a thick, sturdy central stem that can reach 1.5-3 meters tall in just a few months. The stem is covered with the same sticky glandular hairs as the leaves and becomes increasingly branched toward the top. Leaves become progressively smaller up the stem. The growth rate during this phase is remarkable — up to 5 cm per day under ideal conditions.
Flowering
The plant produces enormous, pendulous panicles of tiny daisy-family florets at the top of every branch. Each panicle can be 60-90 cm long, cascading downward in a dramatic weeping form. The individual florets are tiny — just 3-4 mm across — but they appear in their thousands, creating a spectacular display in shades of coral-pink, salmon, and bronze. The flowering period lasts 4-6 weeks and the fragrance intensifies, filling the surrounding garden with the distinctive incense-like aroma.
Seed Set and Decline
After flowering, each tiny floret produces a single seed equipped with a feathery pappus for wind dispersal. Being a biennial, the entire plant dies after setting seed — the stems, leaves, and root system all decline and dry out over several weeks. The dried flower panicles remain ornamental for some time, retaining their graceful cascading form even as they turn brown.
Surface-sow seeds on moist, finely sieved seed compost and press gently without covering. Keep under glass or clear plastic at 18-22°C in bright indirect light. Mist the surface regularly to maintain consistent moisture — do not allow the compost to dry out or become waterlogged during this delicate phase.
Caring for Incense Plant month by month
What to do each month for your Incense Plant
July
You are hereFlowering begins in mid to late summer on second-year plants. The enormous pendulous panicles of tiny coral-pink florets create a breathtaking display. Ensure stakes are firmly supporting the now top-heavy plant. Continue generous watering and enjoy the intense fragrance that fills the surrounding garden.
Harvesting Incense Plant
The incense plant is grown primarily for its aromatic presence in the garden rather than for harvest. The resinous leaves can be dried for potpourri and natural incense mixtures. Harvest leaves by cutting stems during the growing season—wear gloves as the sticky resin can irritate skin. The dried flower plumes retain their color and light fragrance. Harvest flowering stems when plumes are fully developed but before individual flowers begin to fade.
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Storage & Preservation
Dry leaves and flower stems by hanging in a warm, well-ventilated area. The resinous leaves dry well and retain their incense-like fragrance for months. Store in paper bags or boxes—avoid airtight containers as the sticky resin can cause mold in sealed environments. Dried flower plumes make dramatic additions to large dried arrangements. The dried leaves can be burned on charcoal as a natural incense with a rich, church-like fragrance.
What goes wrong — and the fix
Aphids
PestGreen or black aphids clustering on tender flower buds and new growth. The sticky leaves can trap insects naturally.
Damping Off
DiseaseSeedlings collapse at soil level, becoming soft and brown. Caused by fungal pathogens in cool, wet conditions.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
The main challenge is overwintering first-year rosettes, which need frost-free conditions. In cold climates, greenhouse or conservatory culture is essential. The sticky resin causes skin irritation in sensitive individuals—always handle with gloves. The tall flower stems may need staking in exposed positions. Short lifespan (biennial) means annual sowing is necessary for continuous display. Seed can be difficult to source.
Growing Tips
- Surface-sow the extremely fine seeds on moist seed compost without covering — they require light to germinate. Cover trays with glass or clear plastic to maintain humidity and keep at a steady 18-22°C in bright indirect light. Germination is slow and irregular, taking 14-28 days, so be patient.
- Handle all parts of the plant with gloves, as the sticky glandular hairs can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The resinous exudate is persistent and difficult to wash off skin and clothing, so protective clothing is advisable when working closely with mature plants.
- Choose a sheltered planting position in full sun to light partial shade with rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. The incense plant dislikes exposed, windy sites where its tall stems and heavy flower panicles are vulnerable to damage. A south-facing wall or sheltered courtyard is ideal.
- Water generously and consistently during the rapid growth phase in the second year — the enormous leaf surface area loses water rapidly through transpiration. Drought stress during stem elongation causes stunted growth and poor flowering. Mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture.
- Provide a sturdy stake at least 2 meters tall, installed early in the second year before the stem becomes difficult to manage. The plant can exceed 3 meters in height and becomes extremely top-heavy when in flower, so secure the stem at multiple points with soft ties as it grows.
- Feed weekly with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer during the second-year growth and flowering phase. The plant's rapid growth rate demands significant nutrition, and underfed specimens produce smaller, less impressive flower panicles. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes soft, floppy growth.
- Overwinter first-year rosettes in a frost-free greenhouse, conservatory, or cold frame at 2-8°C with good ventilation and minimal watering. The incense plant is not frost-hardy and will be killed by temperatures below -2°C. Ensure adequate light to prevent etiolated winter growth.
- Sow seeds in successive years to maintain a continuous display, as the biennial life cycle means each plant flowers only once before dying. Having both first-year rosettes and second-year flowering specimens ensures an annual show without gaps.
- Collect seed promptly when panicles begin to dry, as the feathery pappus carries seeds away on the lightest breeze. Cut entire panicles into large paper bags and shake to release seeds. Store cleaned seed in a cool, dry place — viability decreases after 12 months, so fresh seed gives the best results.
- The incense plant makes a spectacular container specimen for patios and conservatories when grown in a large pot of at least 40 cm diameter. Use a rich, loam-based compost with added perlite for drainage, and be prepared to water daily during hot weather as the plant is an extremely heavy drinker.
Pick your Incense Plant
Calomeria amaranthoides (standard)
The only species in cultivation. Coral-pink flower plumes with an intense frankincense-like fragrance. A dramatic specimen plant.
While the incense plant is not a food crop, growing it at home offers notable savings for those who enjoy natural aromatics. High-quality dried botanical potpourri blends retail for $15-30 per bag, and artisan smudge bundles sell for $8-15 each. A single incense plant produces enough aromatic material for 4-6 sachets and 3-4 smudge bundles, representing $50-80 worth of handmade aromatic products. Seeds are inexpensive at $3-5 per packet, and the dramatic ornamental display alone — comparable to a premium nursery specimen costing $25-40 — makes this an excellent value plant for adventurous gardeners.
Quick recipes
Incense Plant Potpourri Blend
30 min + drying timeA richly fragrant potpourri that captures the unique cedar-and-incense aroma of Calomeria amaranthoides. The dried leaves and flower panicles retain their scent for months, making this a wonderful natural air freshener for wardrobes, linen closets, and living spaces. The subtle pink-bronze tones of the dried flowers add visual beauty to the blend.
6 ingredientsAromatic Smudge Bundles
20 min + 2 weeks dryingHandmade smudge bundles using the intensely fragrant stems and leaves of the incense plant. When dried and burned, these bundles release a rich, resinous smoke reminiscent of church incense. They make thoughtful handmade gifts and fill a room with a warm, complex aroma that is entirely natural.
4 ingredientsScented Drawer Sachets
15 minSimple fabric sachets filled with dried incense plant material that naturally scent stored clothing and linens while helping to deter moths and silverfish. The powerful resinous aroma of the dried foliage persists for 6-12 months, making these sachets a long-lasting and sustainable alternative to synthetic air fresheners and mothballs.
5 ingredientsWhat's inside
Health Benefits
- The aromatic volatile compounds released by incense plant foliage, including alpha-pinene and limonene, contribute to a pleasant garden atmosphere that may promote relaxation and stress relief when enjoyed in an outdoor setting.
- The resinous fragrance of dried incense plant material has been used anecdotally as a natural insect deterrent in wardrobes and storage areas, helping to protect clothing from moths without the use of synthetic chemical mothballs.
- Gardening with dramatic specimen plants like the incense plant provides meaningful physical exercise through staking, watering, and tending, combined with the mental health benefits of nurturing a challenging and rewarding botanical project.
- The aromatic terpenes released by the foliage into the surrounding air share chemical similarities with compounds found in forest bathing environments, which research suggests may support immune function and reduce cortisol levels.
- Growing the incense plant from seed through its full biennial cycle teaches patience and long-term horticultural planning skills, contributing to the well-documented psychological benefits of sustained engagement with living plants.
- The dried flower panicles and aromatic foliage provide materials for creative craft projects such as potpourri, sachets, and floral arrangements — tactile creative activities that have been shown to support mental wellbeing and mindfulness.
Where Incense Plant comes from
The incense plant (Calomeria amaranthoides) is native to southeastern Australia, where it occurs naturally in moist, sheltered gullies, forest margins, and along creek banks in the coastal and mountainous regions of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. It thrives in the cool, humid microclimates of temperate rainforest edges and wet sclerophyll forests, typically growing as an understorey plant in filtered light beneath eucalyptus canopies.
The species was first collected by European botanists during the early exploration of the Australian colonies and was formally described in 1819 by the French botanist Étienne Pierre Ventenat, though it was later reclassified several times before settling into the genus Calomeria. The plant was introduced to Britain remarkably early — seeds were sent to Kew Gardens and other botanic institutions in the first decades of the 19th century, and by the 1830s it had become a fashionable conservatory plant among wealthy Victorian gardeners.
The Victorians were captivated by the incense plant's extraordinary combination of towering stature, cascading flower plumes, and intense resinous fragrance. It became a prestige specimen in the great glasshouses of English country estates, and head gardeners competed to produce the tallest and most floriferous examples for summer exhibitions. The renowned gardener and writer Shirley Hibberd described it as one of the most magnificent plants that could be grown under glass, and it featured regularly in the gardening periodicals of the era.
In its native Australia, the incense plant was known to Aboriginal peoples, though detailed records of its traditional uses are limited. European settlers in Australia called it the plume bush or incense bush and noted its powerful fragrance. The plant has had limited commercial cultivation but remains cherished by specialist growers and botanic gardens worldwide. Today it enjoys renewed interest among adventurous gardeners seeking dramatic architectural plants, and it is grown as a conservatory specimen in cool-temperate climates or as an outdoor biennial in milder Mediterranean and oceanic regions.
Incense Plant: did you know?
Fascinating facts about Incense Plant
The incense plant is native to southeastern Australia, where it grows naturally in damp gullies and forest margins in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania — it was introduced to European gardens in the early 1800s and quickly became a Victorian conservatory sensation.
Incense Plant questions, answered
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Does the incense plant cause skin irritation?
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