Sunset Gold Breath of Heaven

Here’s how to plant and care for Sunset Gold Breath of Heaven:

Choosing the Right Location

• Light: 'Sunset Gold' thrives in full sun, which means it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but the foliage color will be more vibrant in full sun.
• Climate: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. It prefers mild, coastal climates and does well in areas that do not experience severe frost.
• Wind and Coastal Tolerance: This plant is highly tolerant of wind and salt spray, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens.

Soil Preparation

• Soil Type: Coleonema 'Sunset Gold' prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Good drainage is essential, as it does not like wet or soggy conditions.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) is ideal. If the soil is too alkaline, consider adding organic matter to improve acidity and fertility.
• Amendments: If your soil is heavy clay or does not drain well, amend it with sand, perlite, or compost to improve drainage and aeration.

Planting

• When to Plant: The best time to plant 'Sunset Gold' is in the fall or early spring, when the weather is cooler. This allows the roots to establish before the heat of summer.
• Planting Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Loosen the soil at the bottom and sides of the hole to encourage root expansion.
• Positioning: Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole, gently pressing down to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly.
• Spacing: Space plants about 2-3 feet apart. 'Sunset Gold' typically grows to about 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, so give each plant enough space to spread without crowding.

Watering

• Regular Watering Initially: Water the plant deeply immediately after planting. During the first growing season, water regularly (1-2 times per week) to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Sunset Gold' is moderately drought-tolerant. Reduce watering frequency, and let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
• Avoid Overwatering: Ensure proper drainage, as overly wet soil can lead to root rot and other health issues.

Fertilizing

• Minimal Fertilization: Coleonema 'Sunset Gold' does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring can help support healthy growth and vibrant foliage color.
• Organic Options: You can also add compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant to provide a gentle, slow-release source of nutrients.
• Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Too much fertilizer can cause the plant to grow leggy and reduce the density of the foliage. Light feeding is generally sufficient.

Pruning

• Light Pruning for Shape: Prune lightly after the main flowering period in late spring to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth. Removing spent flowers can also encourage more blooms.
• Regular Trimming: Regularly trim any wayward or leggy branches to maintain the compact, mounded shape of the plant. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can affect the plant's overall appearance.
• Rejuvenation Pruning: If the plant becomes too leggy or sparse, you can do a light rejuvenation pruning by cutting it back by about one-third in early spring. Avoid cutting into the old, woody parts, as this can hinder new growth.

Pest and Disease Management

• Generally Pest-Resistant: Coleonema 'Sunset Gold' is quite pest-resistant, but occasionally, it may attract aphids or spider mites. Inspect the plant regularly and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
• Fungal Issues: Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal issues. Proper spacing and avoiding overhead watering can help reduce the risk of mold or mildew.

Mulching

• Moisture Retention and Weed Control: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant, extending out to the drip line. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.
• Keep Mulch Away from the Trunk: Make sure the mulch is not in direct contact with the base of the plant’s stems, as this can lead to rot and pest issues.

When planting Sunset Gold Breath of Heaven, proper spacing is important to allow the plant to spread naturally, ensure good air circulation, and maintain its attractive, compact form. Here’s a spacing guide:

Spacing Guide for Sunset Gold Breath of Heaven

Individual Specimen Planting:

• Distance: Space plants 2-3 feet apart.
• Reason: This allows each plant to grow to its full, mature size (about 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide) without crowding. Proper spacing ensures that the plants can spread naturally, maintain their shape, and get enough sunlight.

1. Mass Planting or Ground Cover:

   • Distance: Space plants 1.5-2 feet apart.
   • Reason: When planting 'Sunset Gold' as a mass ground cover, closer spacing will create a denser, continuous cover. This helps the plants fill in faster, creating a lush, carpet-like effect.

2. Hedge or Border Planting:

   • Distance: Space plants 2 feet apart.
   • Reason: For a more uniform, dense border or low hedge, planting at this distance encourages the plants to grow together and form a continuous line, while still allowing them to maintain their compact, mounded shape.

Considerations When Spacing

• Mature Size: 'Sunset Gold' typically reaches about 2-3 feet in height and 4-6 feet in width, so spacing them appropriately is crucial for healthy growth.
• Air Circulation: Adequate spacing promotes good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal issues and keeps the plants healthier.
• Maintenance Access: Ensure there is enough space between plants for easy access when trimming, pruning, or applying mulch.