Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Coleonema pulchellum or Confetti bush

The genus Coleonema, family Rutaceae, includes 6 species of shrubs native to southern Africa. Some species are: Coleonema pulchellum, Coleonema album, Coleonema pulchrum.

Common names: Confetti bush, Breath of heaven, Buchu, Diosma. This species is native to South Africa.

They are compact and highly branched evergreen shrubs that can reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The small leaves are aromatic, needle-shaped (1 cm/0.39" long) and yellowish-green in color. The many pink flowers are small and have a honey scent. They bloom from late winter to late spring.

Confetti bush is used to form groups of 3-5 specimens, in borders, in rockery, in informal hedges or in bushy groups with Euryops, Pelargonium, Leonotis, Metalasia and Felicia. It's suitable for growing in pots and for coastal gardens due to their resistance to wind. The leafy branches can also be used for floral decorations and to create bonsai.

Coleonema pulchellum needs full sun exposure and warm temperatures; it resists occasional and light frosts.

Breath of heaven can grow in poor soil but prefers a well-drained substrate that contains a little compost.

Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry.

Fertilize with compost in autumn and once a month in winter and in spring with mineral fertilizer.

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact appearance.

Buchu is a quite resistant plant to pests and diseases.

Diosma propagates by cuttings in late winter or early spring; it produces flowers before the specimens obtained from seeds.

Images of the shrub Coleonema pulchellum or Confetti bush