Coleonema pulchellum 'Sunset Gold'
Breath of heaven, Buchu
Also known as Diosma ericoides 'Sunset Gold', Coleonema 'Sunset Gold'
- Height × spread
- 0.6m × 0.5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Flowers
- Winter, Spring
Availability
Generally available in Winter & Spring
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A small evergreen shrub that has foliage that appears somewhat like that of a refined conifer. The slender outreaching branches are covered in close-fitting, golden, needle-like leaves, a colour that positively glows in sunlight. There are small starry pale pink flowers in late spring which add to the charm of the whole. It will spread quite widely and should be given a position that is warm, sheltered and sunny. It is unsuited to windy or exposed positions. It is a good shrub for coastal gardens. It likes acidic soil. General care: It can be grown in a container and brought in for winter when it should be given enough water to prevent the soil from desiccating. If grown permanently in a pot it will need regular feeding in its growth period.
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Foliage colour
- Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 0.6m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Winter
- Flowers in
- Winter, Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Cottage garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Structural, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Apply slow release fertiliser
Apply a slow release fertiliser which is spread around the root area of plants soon after they have come into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring · Planting
Repot every other year
Repot every other year if grown in a container. Move it to a slightly larger pot with drainage holes in the bottom. Some of the old compost can be shaken away, but don't disturb the roots too much.
Make sure the roots are spread out and that the plant is sitting on compost and not an air pocket. Firm the soil gently, and ensure that the plant sits at the same level above the soil as it did previously.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Planting
Prune young growth after flowering
When the plant has finished flowering, remove the flower and most of the young growth that the plant has made. Leave just around 2 centimetres of young growth on the plant. Don't cut into old wood unless it is diseased or damaged.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.