Family: Rutaceae

Widely grown in mild areas, this small genus of eight evergreen, flowering shrubs originates from South Africa. The foliage is small and heath-like and the flowers have a heather-like fragrance. They make good hedges and borders, although they require clipping, and can also be grown in pots or tubs.

Species

C. album (Synonym: Diosma alba) is a very compact shrub growing to 1 m (3 ft). It has masses of small branches, with very small, narrow leaves and tiny, white, starry flowers, usually in spring, though they may appear at any time in the year.

C. pulchrum is a more upright shrub growing to 1.5 m (5 ft), with much-branched, long, slender shoots and masses of tiny, pink flowers in spring and summer. A red-flowering type is available, and a dwarf form, 'Sunset Gold', has golden foliage when grown in full sun.

Cultivation

In climates prone to regular hard frosts, grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. An acid potting compost is needed, together with maximum light and good ventilation. To grow outdoors, plant in well-drained, acid or neutral soil in a sunny spot. Tip prune plants regularly from their earliest stages of growth, otherwise they will become thin and straggly, but do not cut back hard as this can kill them. Prune lightly after they have flowered, around late spring, and pinch the young tips several times during summer.

Climate

Zone 9.