Coleonema pulchellum
Breath of heaven, Buchu
- Height × spread
- 0.6m – 1.5m × 0.5m – 1.2m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
These appealing, rather heath-like shrubs originate in South Africa. A number of their relatives form part of the fabled 'Fynbos' community of wild plants. They are fairly tender but have tough characters, suited to coastal gardens and sandy ericaceous soil. The foliage is aromatic and there are masses of simple flowers in shades of white and pink. Forms with coloured foliage have now been developed. These are generally too tender to over-winter outside except in the warmest parts of the UK.
- Flower colour
- Pink
- Foliage colour
- Green, Yellow
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 0.6m – 1.5m
- Spread
- 0.5m – 1.2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Winter
- 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
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- 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.
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.
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.