Plant selection is a bit like worthwhile exercise; it’s not what we choose that indicates suitability, but how often we use it. Of course you could buy up big and watch it all wilt and frost over, but I think you know what I mean. If a plant survives a year in Dubbo, it is worth a look-in.

Sadly some plants are not here for the long haul. Diosma (Coleonema pulchrum or C. compactum), is one of these. Back in 1998 the Dubbo Information Centre had a hedge of the large variety (C.pulchrum at 1.5 metres high) which earned their other common name of ‘Breath of Heaven’ because the heath-like foliage it had a heavenly fragrance topped off with hundreds and thousands lolly-like pink blossom. While they lasted some years, the centre shrub one day packed up shop and threw the towel in. The others soon ran down also.

These South African shrubs dislike extended dry or wet periods, needing full sun and good drainage.

Sometimes we just can’t give them all they need. Tip prune for added vigour and more flowers.

The controversy over naming goes back to the man who started it all back in 1834 with a Professor WJ Hooker at Glasgow University. But we can’t be bothered with all that. All we want is a lovely scented small shrub with continuous flowers for a quick fill-in. If the Diosma is so fickle as to throw an apoplectic fit and pass away, so be it. As long as we get a bit of a show and let fond memories fill the gap.