Coleonema pulchellum
confetti bush
A free-branching shrub, upright then spreading with linear bright green leaves 2-4cm long. It bears red or pink flowers around 1cm across with reflexed petals and darker eyes, from late spring to summer
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Coleonema are evergreen shrubs with tiny, needle-like leaves and small, star-shaped flowers. The densely-packed foliage is aromatic
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa, S Cape
How to grow
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
Propagation
Propagate by seed - surface sow seed at 13-16°C in spring or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Gravel garden
Pruning
Pruning group 10 after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Phytophthora root rot may be a problem
Get involved
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