Coleonema pulchrum

 

  Pink Breath of Heaven

  Family: Rutaceae

  Origin: Native to South Africa

Coleonema album

 

  White Breath of Heaven

  Family: Rutaceae

  Origin: Native to South Africa

Hardiness: Hardy to 10 degrees; Zones 8-9-10
Growth: Medium rate of growth to 5 feet or more
Form: Mounded shape with equal or greater spread; thin arching stems
Leaves: Tiny needle-like leaves on wispy stems; distinctive odor
Flowers: Tiny 1/4 inch pink or white flowers in the winter and spring
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Water: Low water requirements
Soil: Any well drained soil
Fertilizer: Spring or fall in sandy soils
Prune: Prune out old canes in the spring; often sheared to keep small
Problems: Few problems

Coleonema is often sold as Diosma. Coleonema alba is smaller, though otherwise very similar, but it has white flowers. These plants are often sheared to keep them small, but it takes a month or more for them to regain a natural look after shearing. Use very sharp hedge shears if you want to keep this plant compact.

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter         Go to Garden California Home Page

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