Plant Guide

Coleonema pulchrum 'Sunset Gold'

• Common Name

  Golden Breath of Heaven
• CA Native

  Non-native
• Plant Type

  Shrub
• Size

  2' - 4' x 2' - 4'
• Flower Color

  Pink
• Bloom Time

  • Spring
• Leaves

  Yellow-Green Needle-like Leaves
• Evergreen

  Evergreen
• Deer Resistant

  Rarely Damaged
• Wildlife Value

  • Bees
• Growth Rate

  Moderate
• Hardiness

  Semi-hardy
• Adverse Growth Factors

  None
• Special Features

  • Erosion Control
  • Fragrance
• Water Use

  • Moderate
• Soil pH

  6.5-7.5 (neutral)
• Exposure

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Shade
  • Shade
• Soil Type

  Not Particular
• Drainage

  Good Drainage
• Description and Cultural Plant Tips

  Coleonema is a medium to large shrub with bright yellow-green aromatic soft heath-like leaves and small star-like pink or white flowers in the late winter and spring  The branches are thin and flexible so they move with the wind. This is a good shrub for banks, hillsides and along paths where their aromatic fragrance is released when brushed against.

  Plant in a sunny, well-drained area of your garden. Coleonema can tolerate part shade but does best in full sun. Set rootball at ground level and fill hole with a soil mixture of equal parts soil and soil amendments. Water regularly until established. It is  fairly drought tolerant once established. Fertilize in spring just before new growth begins. Shear lightly after main bloom to control size  and keep compact. However, many think that it looks better unsheared as it will move more with the wind.

  Bees enjoy the nectar from this plant.

  No significant pests or diseases.

• Master Gardener Comments

  I have this shrub planted on a south facing hillside. The hillside looks golden in the sun. I rarely prune it so that it has gotten very wide. I love the way it flows with the wind. It looks like the whole hillside is alive.

• Varietals

  C. album - white flowers