A great ornamental plant for the garden is Golden diosma (Coleonema pulchellum ‘Sunset Gold’) which grows as a low bush to 1m (3′) with bright yellow foliage and pink starry flowers. But it can be difficult to fit golden plants such as this into a colourful garden of reds and mauves. Instead try grouping yellow coloured plants together to create a golden theme in the garden. Golden diosma mixes well with yellow variegated New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax ‘Variegatum’), dwarf Broom (Genista x spachiana) and Hebe (Hebe cupressoides). The variegated flax has striped creamy yellow and white strap like leaves and grows in clumps. It is particularly hardy and grows well by the sea. Dwarf broom has dark green shiny leaves above which are pale and silky underneath. It has an abundance of fragrant yellow peaflowers in long spikes in winter and spring. It is frost tender but tolerates dry, windy conditions. The hebe has yellow foliage, cypress-like leaves and grows to a conical shrub about 1.5m (5′) tall and 1m (3′) wide. Grouping similarly coloured plants together creates a strong element in the garden.
Cost and availability
These plants are readily available in most nurseries and cost about $8.95 for 15cm (6″) pots and $14.95 for 20cm (8″) pots.
