Diosma 'Sunset Gold' (Breath of Heaven) – Golden Aromatic Evergreen (3L Pot)

A compact evergreen with fine golden needle like foliage that smells sweet when brushed, and starry pink flowers in spring.

Sold in the trade as Diosma, this is Coleonema pulchellum 'Sunset Gold', the breath of heaven or confetti bush. It makes a soft rounded bush of about 60cm to 90cm tall and wide, covered in fine aromatic leaves that hold a warm golden yellow, strongest in the cooler months. In spring the whole plant is dotted with tiny starry pink flowers that sit beautifully against the gold.

It is a South African shrub and is not reliably hardy in Britain. Give it a sheltered sunny spot with very sharp drainage, and grow it in a pot that can be moved somewhere frost free before hard frost arrives, which is the safest way to keep it. It needs lime free ground, so use ericaceous compost rather than ordinary garden soil, which most gardens cannot offer. Water it while it settles in, keep it out of waterlogged ground and give it a light trim after flowering.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Breath of heaven, confetti bush, diosma
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: About 60cm to 90cm tall and 60cm to 90cm wide
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy evergreen shrub with fine needle like foliage
• Perfect For: Patio pots, conservatories, sheltered sunny borders, rockeries and gravel gardens
• Foliage: Fine, needle like, aromatic golden yellow leaves, held all year
• Flowering Time: Spring, with small starry pink flowers
• Planting Position: Full sun for the best foliage colour, sheltered. It takes a little shade. A container is the sensible way to grow it.
• Soil Type: Sharply drained and lime free. Use ericaceous compost.
• Hardiness: Not reliably hardy in Britain. Grow it in a pot that can go somewhere frost free for the winter, or under glass in cold areas.
• Maintenance: Low. Light trim after flowering.
• Seasonal Interest: Spring flowers, with golden foliage all year
• Type: Tender evergreen shrub for a pot or a sheltered spot