About
Coleonema pulchellum is a multi-stemmed shrub that starts upright and gradually extends outward. Its leaves are linear, measuring 2-4 cm in length and are a vivid green. The plant produces red or pink flowers, each approximately 1 cm wide, featuring reflexed petals and darker centers. Blooming occurs from late spring through summer.
About the genus
Coleonema consists of evergreen shrubs characterized by their slender, needle-like leaves and diminutive, star-shaped blooms. The foliage is dense and emits a fragrant scent.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Gravel garden
- Native to
- South Africa, S Cape
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, moist but free-draining neutral to acid soil in full sun with shelter. In cold areas grow under glass in lime-free (ericaceous) compost in full light with low humidity. Water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser from spring to autumn; water sparingly in winter
- Pruning
- Pruning group 10 after flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed - surface sow seed at 13-16°C in spring or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot