Red Velvet Diosma

Red Velvet Diosma (Coleonema 'Red Velvet') is a neat, compact evergreen shrub about 1m tall and wide, with fine, aromatic foliage all year. In winter it fills with starry flowers that open white and age to deep pink. It is more compact than other diosmas, which suits low hedging and pots.

Why you'll love it

• Compact and tidy. It keeps a rounded shape at about 1m by 1m, tighter than other diosmas, with little shaping needed.
• Winter flowers. Starry blooms open white and mature to deep pink at a time when little else is flowering.
• Fine, aromatic foliage. The slender, needle-fine leaves give a soft texture all year and carry a scent when brushed.
• Good for wildlife. The flowers attract beneficial insects, and they in turn bring insect-eating native birds to the garden.
• Works in pots. Its size and habit suit containers on a patio or entry.

Where it works best

Low hedging. Plant 60cm apart in a single row for a soft hedge about 1m tall, with a pink-and-white winter flush.

Coastal and native-style gardens. Diosma is South African, not an Australian native, but it mixes easily with natives. It also suits coastal gardens.

Pots and borders. Use one in a large container or a few along a sunny border, trimmed lightly after flowering.

Growing Red Velvet Diosma in Australia

Position and climate. A sunny position. Protect young plants from frost; established plants cope with the light frosts of milder districts. This one has naturalised in Victoria, so cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens suit it well.

Soil. Well drained, acid soil. In heavy or alkaline clay, plant on a mound or grow it in a pot with a native or acid potting mix.

Water and feed. Mulch to keep the roots cooler in summer and water well while it establishes. Do not let young plants dry out, and avoid planting in midsummer. Feed with a controlled release native fertiliser after flowering.

Pruning. Trim lightly after flowering to promote new growth and keep it compact. Cut only into leafy growth, as diosma reshoots poorly from bare wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Red Velvet Diosma as tube stock. That is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Plant in autumn or spring rather than the heat of midsummer, and keep the water up through the first season.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

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

• Best hedging plants
• Plants for coastal areas
• Low hedge plants under 1 metre
• Plants that suit pots

Common questions

How far apart for a hedge?

Plant 60cm apart in a single row. The plants meet quickly and form a soft hedge about 1m tall.

Is it an Australian native?

No, it is South African in origin. It has naturalised happily in Victoria and mixes well with natives in coastal and wildlife gardens.

When should I prune it?

Straight after flowering, lightly, taking only leafy tips. It reshoots poorly from bare wood, so never cut back hard.