1 named cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Coleonema pulchellum is an erect, evergreen South African shrub forming a dense, rounded mound of slender, highly branched stems. The tiny, needle-like leaves are intensely aromatic, releasing a sweet, pungent scent when brushed or crushed.
From winter through spring, the foliage is heavily showered with small, star-shaped pink flowers, each marked with a darker central vein on its five petals. This species is highly wind-tolerant and thrives in coastal gardens where many other fine-textured shrubs fail.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
60"
Width
60"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
10-15 years
Native To
South Africa
Toxicity
Skin Irritant
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site with full sun and exceptionally well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the crown sits slightly above the surrounding soil level.
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, then reduce watering significantly.
- Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.
Pro Tip
Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering ends; cutting back into old, brown, leafless wood will kill the branch because this shrub lacks latent buds on mature wood.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune lightly every year immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape.
- Plant in raised beds or sloped areas if your garden has heavy or slow-draining soil.
- Water deeply but infrequently once the plant is established.
Don't
- Do not cut back into old, bare wood, as the plant cannot regenerate from dormant buds on mature stems.
- Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in stagnant, waterlogged soil.
- Do not apply heavy chemical fertilizers, especially those high in phosphorus.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Pink Breath of Heaven questions
What zones can Pink Breath of Heaven grow in?
Pink Breath of Heaven is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Pink Breath of Heaven deer resistant?
Yes — Pink Breath of Heaven is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Pink Breath of Heaven bloom?
Pink Breath of Heaven typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Pink Breath of Heaven need full sun?
Pink Breath of Heaven does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Pink Breath of Heaven drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Pink Breath of Heaven handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Coleonema to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Pink Breath of Heaven with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.