Golden Diosma Coleonema 'Sunset Gold'
ABOUT
The 'Sunset Gold' plant is distinguished by its vibrant foliage that exhibits radiant shades of gold to chartreuse, lending it a luminous presence in the garden. The slender, needle-like leaves densely cover the fine, delicately textured branches, creating a soft, feathery appearance. The overall form of the plant is mounding and it spreads gracefully, with its arching branches adding a touch of elegance. When in bloom, small, star-shaped pinkish flowers daintily adorn the foliage, emitting a subtle, pleasant fragrance that attracts pollinators. The contrast between the flowers and the bright leaves adds visual interest. This evergreen shrub is recognized for its ability to brighten up landscape designs and is often used for its ornamental value throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rutaceae.
Synonyms
Golden Breath of Heaven, Sunset Gold.
Common names
Coleonema 'Sunset Gold'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Golden Diosma is not typically considered toxic to humans. Consuming parts of this plant is generally unlikely to result in serious poisoning. However, it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown or identified as food, as individual sensitivity to plants can vary and undesirable effects like stomach discomfort or allergic reactions could occur.
To pets
Golden Diosma is not well-documented as a toxic plant to pets. It does not appear on common lists of plants that are harmful to animals such as cats and dogs. However, pet owners should still prevent pets from ingesting this or any ornamental plant, as it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction. It is always best to err on the side of caution and keep any non-food plants out of reach of pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gold
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
4-6 feet (120-180 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Coleonema 'Sunset Gold', commonly known as Breath of Heaven, has vibrant yellow-green needle-like leaves that add color and texture to garden spaces.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is fairly drought-resistant, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens.
- Easy Maintenance: It requires minimal pruning and upkeep once it is established in an appropriate site.
- Year-round Interest: The plant provides a continuous display of colorful foliage throughout the year.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally not preferred by deer, which makes it an excellent choice for areas with deer pressure.
- Pest Resistance: Breath of Heaven tends to be resistant to many common pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: It produces small, star-shaped flowers that can attract bees and other pollinators to the garden.
- Versatile Landscaping Use: Can be used in a variety of landscape applications, including as a low hedge, ground cover, or container plant.
- Fragrant Foliage: When brushed or crushed, the leaves emit a pleasant, spicy fragrance, adding a sensory experience to the garden.
- Coastal Tolerance: It can tolerate coastal conditions, such as salt spray, making it suitable for seaside gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Sunset Gold breath of heaven's fine, delicate foliage can be used in floral arrangements to add texture and a soft, feathery look, complementing more robust flowers.
- Due to its dense, fine texture, Sunset Gold breath of heaven can be shaped into topiary forms for a whimsical touch in formal gardens.
- The plant can be employed as a living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds with its low-spreading habit.
- It can be used in sensory gardens, as brushing against the plant releases its aromatic oils, providing a pleasant, spicy fragrance.
- In coastal gardens, the Sunset Gold breath of heaven is ideal as it's tolerant of salt spray and sandy soils.
- As a companion plant, Sunset Gold breath of heaven can benefit neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects with its blooms.
- This plant can be used as a natural border or edging along paths and walkways due to its mounding growth habit.
- For container gardening, Sunset Gold breath of heaven makes an attractive "spiller" plant, with foliage cascading over the edges of pots.
- The Sunset Gold breath of heaven's drought-tolerant nature can be used to restore or stabilize slopes and banks prone to erosion.
- Its quick growth and ease of propagation from cuttings make it a practical choice for gap-filling in garden design.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Breath of Heaven is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Breath of Heaven is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Coleonema 'Sunset Gold', commonly known as Breath of Heaven, is often associated with healing due to its aromatic leaves, which are believed to have medicinal properties.
- Protection: The dense and bushy nature of the Breath of Heaven plant symbolizes protection and shelter, offering a haven for wildlife and a protective screen for gardens.
- Beauty: With its delicate pink or white flowers and golden foliage, Breath of Heaven symbolizes natural beauty and is often used to enhance aesthetic appeal in garden designs.
- Divinity: The ethereal appearance and name of Breath of Heaven can be associated with spirituality and the divine, symbolizing a connection to higher realms or a sense of enlightenment.
- Hope: The resilient nature of this plant, which blooms even in poor soils, symbolizes hope and the idea that beauty and life can thrive against the odds.
WaterThe Breath of Heaven plant prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently, ensuring that the soil has a chance to dry out between waterings; this typically means watering approximately once a week, depending on the climate and soil conditions. It’s important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Depending on the size of your plant and the weather conditions, each watering session should consist of about 1 to 2 gallons of water. During the hot, dry summer months, you may need to water more often to maintain consistent soil moisture. In winter, reduce watering significantly and only water if the soil becomes very dry.
LightBreath of Heaven thrives best in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for bright, direct light for several hours a day. This plant should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Avoid locations with full shade as insufficient light can hinder the plant's performance.
TemperatureBreath of Heaven can handle a moderate range of temperatures but typically performs best in environments between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to protect the plant from extreme cold as temperatures below this range can cause damage or even death to the plant.
PruningPrune Breath of Heaven plants to maintain shape and encourage dense growth; this is best done in late winter to early spring before the new growth starts. Pruning can also help remove any dead or damaged branches to maintain a healthy plant. On occasion, a more thorough pruning may be necessary to rejuvenate an older plant; this type of heavy pruning should be done less frequently, possibly every few years.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBreathable Sunset Gold, commonly known as Golden Breath of Heaven, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix consisting of 2 parts peat, 1 part perlite, and 1 part potting soil. The ideal soil pH for this plant should range between 5.5 to 6.5, which is slightly acidic.
RepottingGolden Breath of Heaven should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot. Repotting is crucial for renewing the soil and providing space for the roots to continue growing.
Humidity & MistingGolden Breath of Heaven prefers moderate humidity but is quite adaptable. It can thrive in average home humidity levels; however, it does well with humidity levels around 40-50%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Coleonema 'Sunset Gold', commonly known as Golden Breath of Heaven, begins with seed germination, where environmental conditions such as temperature and moisture prompt the seed to sprout and develop roots and shoots. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the establishment of a root system and the emergence of juvenile leaves, as the plant begins photosynthesis. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant experiences rapid growth, producing a dense mound of fine, needle-like golden-yellow foliage that releases a spicy aroma when crushed. Upon reaching maturity, Golden Breath of Heaven produces small, star-shaped pink flowers, usually in late winter to spring, initiating the reproductive stage where pollination can occur, leading to seed production. After pollination, the seeds develop and eventually disperse, either by wind or wildlife, completing the life cycle and potentially giving rise to new plants. Outside of human intervention, natural senescence occurs as the plant ages, with older specimens eventually dying after several years, depending on environmental conditions and care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For the Coleonema 'Sunset Gold', also known as Breath of Heaven, the most popular method of propagation is through semi-hardwood stem cuttings. This process generally takes place in the late summer. To propagate, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4- to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length, removing the lower leaves to expose a clean stem. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth, and insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain a humid environment. Rooting can take several weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
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