Diosma ericoides L.
breath of heaven
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
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Red White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Pink Red White | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Get involved
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