Coleonema

Coleonema pulchellum

Coleonema pulchellum (or Breath of Heaven) is a charming, wispy plant with very small pink flowers.   The flowers themselves are not showy, but the sheer numbers of them in spring make the plant a real sight.  It grows to about five feet tall and wide, but ‘Compacta’ gets only about three feet.  ‘Sunset Gold’ has chartreuse foliage and stays at about a foot and a half by four feet wide.  This variety prefers some afternoon shade.

Despite being good for our zone, Coleonema can get damaged or killed outright during very cold winters.  Most years, however, it survives nicely and is considered to be quite deer resistant.

Similar Posts

  • Hibiscus

    Hibiscus syriacus, or Rose of Sharon, is a deciduous shrub that grows to about ten feet tall and six feet wide.  It sports very showy, two to three inch flowers from summer until frost.  It is easy to grow, actually likes heat and can tolerate some drought.  Flower colors include white, pink, red and shades of purple….

  • Euonymous

    Both E. fortunei and E. japonicus have variegated varieties that brighten up the garden with their foliage.  Height ranges from about three to ten feet, depending on the variety.  Moderate to regular water is required.

  • Buddleja

    Commonly called butterfly bush, buddleja can reach fifteen feet and flowers in shades of purple, lavender, pink, white or yellow.  It is also available in an increasing number of dwarf varieties, most of which grow to three to five feet.  The flowers are a favorite of butterflies, hence the common name.  All the Buddlejas perform best if they are pruned severely…

  • Philadelphus

    Philadelphus is an old fashioned shrub with wonderfully fragrant white blossoms. It is a deciduous shrub growing four to six feet tall, making it a very good foundation plant.  It is also very effective in lawns and as a background plant.  Shade in the afternoon is preferred and good drainage is essential.

  • |

    Pyracantha

    Pyracantha is an evergreen shrub known for its colorful berries in the fall and winter.  Most varieties grow to about twelve feet, although there are some outstanding dwarf varieties such as ‘Red Elf’ and ‘Lowboy’.  The biggest drawback is the sharp thorns that cover the branches, but the plants are long-lived and the berries brighten up the garden in winter as well as…