Breath of heaven (Diosma ericoides L.)
Breath of heaven (Diosma ericoides L.) is a shrub that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Breath of heaven (Diosma ericoides L.).
This plant has several common names including: breath of heaven or buchu.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 5-10 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: breath of heaven, buchu
Scientific name: Diosma ericoides L.
Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Informal Garden, Patio & Container Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden
Planting type: Low Maintenance, Wall-side Borders
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Breath of heaven (Diosma ericoides L.) – Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shrubs are fundamental elements in any garden.
They add color and interest throughout the seasons with their wide variety of flowers, foliage, fruits, trunks and stems.
Whatever the size or style of your garden, the permanent woody structure or the foliage of evergreen shrubs will give the space shape and dimension.
Other types of Diosma to consider:
See all Diosma
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Breath of heaven (Diosma ericoides L.), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Breath of heaven (Diosma ericoides L.) is a plant that prefers to grow in loam or sand.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Diosma ericoides L. likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Breath of heaven (Diosma ericoides L.) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Breath of heaven (Diosma ericoides L.) – Cillas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
