Pink Fountain
Flowers for 9 months
Diosma ericoides ‘Pink Fountain’
1. Common Name:
Pink Fountain
2. Scientific Name:
Diosma ericoides ‘Pink Fountain’
3. Family:
Rutaceae
4. Plant Type:
This plant is an evergreen shrub.
5. Native Range:
Diosma ericoides ‘Pink Fountain’ is native to South Africa.
6. Zone Adaptability:
It adapts well in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, which is also equivalent to RHS hardiness ratings of H4 (hardy through most of the UK).
7. Ideal Conditions:
This plant thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate sandy, loamy, and chalky soil types. It prefers a pH range from neutral to acidic.
8. Size:
Diosma ericoides ‘Pink Fountain’ typically grows to about 1-1.5 meters (3.3-4.9 feet) in height and spreads to around the same width.
9. Growth Rate:
This shrub has a medium growth rate.
10. Bloom Time:
The plant blooms from late spring until early summer.
11. Bloom Description:
It produces beautiful clusters of small, star-like pink flowers.
12. Leaf Description:
Tiny, needle-like, dark green leaves that are aromatic when crushed.
13. Uses in Landscaping:
This plant is perfect for rock gardens, coastal gardens, small gardens or borders. Its delicate appearance also makes it suitable for containers and it can be utilized for ground cover.
14. Maintenance:
This plant requires low maintenance. It benefits from light pruning in late spring or early summer after the bloom period, which helps to maintain a compact, bushy form.
15. Pests/Diseases:
Generally pest-free, but watch out for common issues such as aphids. It is resistant to most diseases but poor drainage could lead to root rot.
16. Other Features:
The plant is drought-tolerant once established and is also somewhat salt-tolerant, making it suitable for coastal conditions.
17. Propagating:
Diosma ericoides ‘Pink Fountain’ can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings.
18. Availability:
It can be purchased from most nurseries or specialized online stores.
19. Pollinators:
It attracts a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Spice and all things nice. I love this small shrub, the evergreen leaves look heather-like, but when rubbed they release a sweet spicy scent, it reminds me of hot cross buns!
It is a dwarf shrub packed with flower power, the small star shaped flowers are produced along the stems from April to December, and if it stays mild, they continue even longer.
I have planted a number of varieties of Diosma ericoides, but I think this one is.my favourite. It is outside The Fire Pit garden, facing south and in well drained soil.
The maintenance is minimal, I think that I pruned away a couple of brown shoot tips last spring, and that’s about it.
Ciaran The Gardener 