Coleonema album (White Confetti Bush)


Botanical Information

FamilyRutaceae
GenusColeonema
Speciesalbum
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginSouth Africa
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
Leaves contain essential oils used for mosquito repelent.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9a-11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4-H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-10-10
Temperature (°F)14-50
Height2 m
Spread1-2 m

Description and Growing Information

PropagationPropagation by seed and division.
CultivationLight, moist, well-drained soil. Prefers full sun.
Notable SpecimensTresco Abbey Garden, Tresco, Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom.
HabitatFound growing among outcrops of sandstone and granite, but never on coastal limestone.
Bark/Stem DescriptionGreyish-brown, rough, with horizontal leaf scars
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionPinkish tinged
Leaf DescriptionNeedle-like to linear-oblong, 12-14 mm long and 1.3-1.5 mm wide. Oil glands visible on reverse side. When crushed, sweet nutmeg-like smell produced.
Flower DescriptionWhite, 6-7 mm diameter with a dark green disc at center. 5-11 crowded at branch tip.
Fruit Description5 lobed and ripe seeds are ejected by a catapult mechanism.

Photographs