Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush) Coleonema pulchellum
Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush) (Coleonema pulchellum) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Rutaceae family, native to Fynbos of the Western Cape, South Africa. It grows 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
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Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Fynbos of the Western Cape, South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Questions about Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush)
- How far apart should I plant Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush)?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush) flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 9–14 weeks.
- Is Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pink breath of heaven (confetti bush). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- A soft, feathery shrub of needle-like leaves that smell of citrus and spice when brushed, covered in late winter and spring with tiny pink star flowers; ‘Sunset Gold’ has golden leaves.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia