Canary Island Smokebush

Canary Island Smokebush (Bystropogon canariensis) is a mint scented, sun loving shrub that grows about 2m tall and wide. In summer long stems carry round clusters of tiny, starry white flowers that look like clouds, and in autumn they turn into fluffy clouds that resemble fairy floss. It is evergreen, drought tolerant and suited to waterwise and coastal gardens, and it is a relative of thyme and oregano.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves that smell of mint. Brush the foliage and it releases a minty scent, as you would expect from a relative of thyme and oregano.
• Flowers like clouds. Long stems carry round clusters of small white flowers, starry in summer and fluffy in autumn.
• A long season of interest. Summer flowers, a fluffy autumn finish and evergreen foliage the rest of the year mean it rarely looks bare.
• Waterwise and resilient. Once established it is drought tolerant, and it survives a light frost.
• Easy to size. It reaches 2m, but it can be cut back to half that height, so you can keep it to the space you have.

Where it works best

Waterwise gardens. Plant 1.5m apart in a drift with other dry loving plants such as lavender, native grasses and succulents. Once established it needs water only in prolonged dry weather.

Coastal sites. It is suited to seaside gardens, where its fine texture softens sandy beds and dry banks.

Cottage gardens. The soft white flowers and scented foliage suit an informal planting, particularly beside a path where you can brush past it.

Growing Canary Island Smokebush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It is drought tolerant, survives a light frost and prefers drier climates, so it suits warm temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi arid gardens best. In humid areas with wet summers, give it the best drainage and airflow you can, because that is where it struggles.

Soil. It prefers light, well drained soils. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound or in a raised bed so the roots never sit wet.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well during dry periods while the plant establishes. After that it manages on very little. It does not need rich feeding, and too much fertiliser gives soft, floppy growth.

Pruning. Prune to keep it tidy, encourage bushiness or trim to shape. If it outgrows its space, it can be cut back to about half its height.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Canary Island Smokebush as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives as a small, leafy plant, well short of its 2m, and settles fastest in warm, well drained soil. Water it in well and keep it moist through its first dry spells.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none ready at the moment, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Drought tolerant plants
• Fragrant plants for gardens
• Creating a waterwise garden
• Planning a coastal garden

Common questions

Does it really smell of mint?

Yes, the leaves give off a minty scent when you touch or brush them. It is related to thyme and oregano, and the scent is strongest on a warm day.

Will it grow in humid areas?

It prefers drier climates, so humid, wet summers are its weak point. If you garden in a humid district, choose the sunniest, best drained position, use a raised bed and allow plenty of airflow.

How do I keep it compact?

Prune to shape whenever it needs tidying, and cut it back to about half its height if it outgrows its space. Regular trimming also encourages a bushier plant.