COLEONEMA SUNSET GOLD - THE PRESS PLANT OF THE MONTH - OCTOBER 2008
Golden Breath of Heaven, aka Coleonema Sunset Gold, has stood the test of time and is a proven winner in New Zealand gardens. At one time it was the nation's Shrub of the Year.
If you are after a carefree and low-maintenance plant, then this one will surpass most. Thriving on neglect and inattention, Coleonema Sunset Gold will offer a ray of sunshine in the garden with its yellow, almost feather like foliage. In spring, tiny star-shaped, pale pink flowers smother its vibrant foliage like confetti.
Over time it forms a dense, ground-covering and surprisingly versatile bush that lends itself to a number of applications in the garden - from hedging, hillside plantings and rockeries to a focal point in a modern garden. Casually plant among the dark foliage of Phormium Dark Delight, Coprosma Karo Red or Euphorbia Tui to enhance its foliage colour. Or try alongside Lithospermum Grace Ward, which is now flowering with tiny vibrant blue flowers, to smother the weeds and make your garden come alive with colour. Plant in full sun and trim lightly after flowering, thinning some interior stems to promote compactness and flowers. Coleonema Sunset Gold is available at garden centres.
Congratulations to J Merewether, John Stuart, Merle Stead, Vince O'Keefe and Maxine Marriott, who each won a Coleonema Sunset Gold from Gardening Solutionz by entering our competition in The Press.
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