Bush Rue
Coleonema album
An evergreen shrub featuring fine, needle-like, aromatic leaves arranged in dense clusters along slender branches, accented by small, star-shaped white flowers.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water
- Moderate water needs when establishing; highly drought-tolerant once mature. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between watering sessions to prevent root rot.
- Growth
- An evergreen perennial shrub with an upright, bushy form, reaching a mature height and spread of 3 to 5 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Grow in full sun to partial shade with exceptionally well-draining soil. Water regularly when young, reducing frequency as the plant establishes to allow the soil to dry between waterings. Apply a balanced, low-phosphorus fertilizer in spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering
Moderate water needs when establishing; highly drought-tolerant once mature. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between watering sessions to prevent root rot.
Soil
Well-draining sandy, loamy, or rocky soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range (6.0 to 7.0). Excellent drainage is crucial.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 9 through 11, with low tolerance for hard freezes.
Growth habit
An evergreen perennial shrub with an upright, bushy form, reaching a mature height and spread of 3 to 5 feet with a moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Flowers primarily from winter through spring, producing small, five-petaled white flowers that contrast with the bright green foliage.
Propagation
Propagated mainly through semi-hardwood stem cuttings taken in late spring or summer, treated with rooting hormone and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots develop.
Common pests & issues
Generally robust and pest-resistant, but susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly draining, waterlogged soils. Occasional infestations of aphids or spider mites can be managed with insecticidal soap.
Similar species
Other Coleonema species such as Coleonema pulchrum, which can be distinguished by having pink or rose-colored flowers instead of white.