Coleonema pulchrum 'Compactum'

Dwarf Pink Diosma / Breath of Heaven

Botanical Name: Coleonema pulchrum ‘Compactum’
Family: Rutaceae
Origin: South Africa (Western Cape)
Plant Type: Evergreen compact shrub

Overview

A tidy, fine-textured shrub with aromatic, needle-like foliage that smothers itself in soft pink, starry flowers from late winter into spring. Perfect for Adelaide/South Australian gardens as a low hedge, border or mass planting, ‘Compactum’ loves full sun, well-drained soil, sea breezes (second-line coastal) and light tip-pruning to stay dense.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.6–1.0 m H × 0.8–1.2 m W (naturally mounded)
• Growth Rate: 15-30 (spread) cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Very fine, aromatic, bright to mid-green; neat, compact texture
• Flowers: Masses of small pink five-petalled blooms, heaviest late winter–spring (occasional spot flowers in autumn)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Showy late winter–spring blossom; evergreen, fragrant foliage year-round
• Wildlife Value: Nectar/pollen for bees and other beneficial insects
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established, heat and wind tolerant, second-line coastal tolerant; light frost (protect from hard/black frosts in Hills); dislikes waterlogging/heavy clay
• Planting Density: Low hedge/border: 3–5 per metre (≈20–35 cm centres); Mass: 3–4 plants/m²; Containers: one per 30–40 cm pot; trim to shape
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic; ingestion of any plant material may upset pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (best flowering) to light part shade
• Soil: Well-drained sandy/loam; on Adelaide’s calcareous soils, mix in compost and a little sulfur/iron chelate if leaves yellow
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); minimal in winter
• Maintenance: Light tip-prune after flowering to keep compact (avoid cutting into old wood); mulch; feed lightly in early spring with a low-P native or gentle balanced fertiliser
• Lifespan: 10–15+ years in well-drained sites
• Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA, ideal on Adelaide Plains and second-line coastal sites; choose a frost-sheltered position in the Hills
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (tolerates slightly alkaline if amended and well-drained)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Low formal hedge or clipped border along paths and driveways
• Mass plant for a pink, bee-friendly carpet in spring
• Coastal/courtyard gardens with rosemary, westringia and grasses
• Scented plantings near entries where foliage can be brushed

Why You Will Love It

A neat, aromatic, flower-laden shrub that thrives in SA sun and sea breezes—easy to clip, low on water once established, and perfectly sized for Adelaide borders and small gardens.