Tax-leaf Conospermum Plant Care

Tax-leaf Conospermum (Conospermum taxifolium) belongs to the Proteaceae family within the Conospermum genus. Tax-leaf Conospermum is native to eastern Australia. Tax-leaf Conospermum is also known as Pine-leaf Conospermum.

Tax-leaf Conospermum displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Tax-leaf Conospermum produces small, tubular flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Tax-leaf Conospermum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Tax-leaf Conospermum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Conospermum taxifolium tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Tax-leaf Conospermum prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Tax-leaf Conospermum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Tax-leaf Conospermum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Tax-leaf Conospermum is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Tax-leaf Conospermum can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Tax-leaf Conospermum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Tax-leaf Conospermum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Tax-leaf Conospermum can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to smokebush plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Tax-leaf Conospermum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Tax-leaf Conospermum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Tax-leaf Conospermum is native to eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Tax-leaf Conospermum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.