Diosma ericoides L.

RHS Plant Profile
breath of heaven

Other common names

buchu

Shrubs

An evergreen, frost-tender, loosely-rounded shrub to around 60cm tall and wide with needle-like, aromatic leaves to 1cm long. From late winter into spring, a profusion of small, fragrant, five-petalled white flowers sometimes tinted red on the outside and fading to pink are borne at the ends of branches

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rutaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Diosma are evergreen shrubs with small, aromatic, linear leaves. Star-shaped fragrant flowers carried at the end of wiry stems are borne in profusion from late winter into spring.
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun. Frost tender so protect with a thick , dry winter mulch or grow in a container and move indoors to overwinter

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Shorten flower stems after flowering to maintain a compact habit

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free