Campylanthus salsoloides

Some of the Canarian natives are interesting rather than beautiful but this is one, that is apparently found on all the islands, that surely could be better known if someone did some breeding work or selection. It is in the Scrophulariaceae (now in Plantaginaceae) and has flowers that resemble erinus or other familiar flowers in that family. Like so many natives of the Islands, it has greyish, thin, reduced leaves that help it survive drought and it is also resistant to salt spray. The shoot tips arch gracefully and end with long clusters of pinkish flowers. I could not detect any scent. It apparently blooms almost all year round and, judging by the masses of dead flowers under the bushes (which can grow to about 2m) it has a lot of flowers on it. Presumably it would respond well to pruning since it flowers at the ends of new shoots and I am sure it would make a good container plant in cold climates. The main requirement seems to be well drained soil and full sun. If someone bred a more compact form with slightly bigger flowers – they are not that big – I am sure we would have a great new plant to try!

Campylanthus salsoloides

Campylanthus salsoloides, Canary islands