Compactum Pink Diosma

Compactum Pink Diosma (Coleonema pulchrum 'Compactum Pink') is a small evergreen shrub, 0.8m to 1m tall and 0.5m to 1m wide, covered in starry pink flowers from autumn to spring. The fine, heath-like foliage is aromatic when brushed. It comes from South Africa, but it sits so comfortably beside native shrubs that it is easy to mistake for one.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers through the cool months. Starry pink flowers appear from autumn to spring, filling the part of the year when many shrubs are bare.
• Aromatic foliage. The fine leaves release a scent when you brush them, so plant it beside a path.
• A lure for beneficial insects. The starry flowers draw helpful insects into the garden, which makes it a useful addition to a wildlife garden.
• Small and tidy. It stays under 1m high, so it fits front gardens and borders without constant cutting back.
• Good by the sea. It suits coastal gardens, where the soft habit and heath-like foliage sit naturally.

Where it works best

Low informal hedges. Plant 50cm apart in a single row for a soft flowering hedge about 1m high. It is especially good for cottage gardens and for the coast.

Coastal and cottage borders. Use it along the front of a bed, where the winter flowers can be seen from the house or path.

Wildlife and winter gardens. Mix it with natives that flower in other seasons so there is always something in bloom for beneficial insects.

Growing Compactum Pink Diosma in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in a sunny position. It copes with coastal conditions, but protect it from frost and do not let young plants dry out. It suits warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and the species has naturalised in parts of Victoria, so gardeners near bushland there should trim spent flowers before they seed.

Soil. Plant in well drained, acid soil. Avoid planting coleonemas in midsummer, when heat stress is greatest for young roots.

Water and feed. Mulch to keep the roots cooler in summer, and water well while plants establish. After flowering, feed with a controlled release native fertiliser to keep the shrub healthy and free-flowering.

Pruning. Trim lightly after flowering to promote new growth and a compact habit. Avoid hard cuts into bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Compactum Pink Diosma as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is the economical way to plant a hedge, while the larger pots give a bushier plant to start with.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The best hedging plants
• Plants for coastal areas
• Fragrant plants for the garden
• Low hedge plants under 1 metre

Common questions

When does it flower?

From autumn through to spring. That long cool-season display is one of its strongest points.

Can I plant it at the beach?

Yes, it suits coastal gardens. Give it a sunny, well drained position, protect it from frost and keep young plants watered until they are established.

How should I trim it?

Trim lightly after flowering to keep it compact and encourage new growth. A feed of controlled release native fertiliser afterwards keeps it free-flowering.