Camphor Bush Plant Care

Camphor Bush (Tarchonanthus littoralis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Tarchonanthus genus. Camphor Bush is native to South Africa and occurs along the coast in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.

Camphor Bush displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Camphor Bush produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Camphor Bush every 7–14 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.

Camphor Bush thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Tarchonanthus littoralis tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Camphor Bush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Camphor Bush 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 mix with added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Camphor Bush is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

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.

Camphor Bush can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 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 Camphor Bush 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.

Camphor Bush is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Camphor Bush can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wild camphor bush plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Camphor Bush is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. 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.

Camphor Bush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Camphor Bush is native to South Africa and occurs along the coast in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape. In cooler regions, grow Camphor Bush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.