Plant selector
| Plant | Zones | Mature size (H × W) | Light | Water | Foliage | Bloom | Container | Coastal | Best uses / key distinction | Reference |
|---|
Ranges are typical mature landscape estimates, not guarantees. Local climate, pruning, soil and nursery stock can shift size and hardiness. The Sunset Gold profile was compiled from and expanded on this Sunset Gold Breath of Heaven care guide, then cross-checked against nursery, botanical-garden and extension references linked in the table.
Sunset Gold care card
| Planting | Set slightly high in sandy or loamy, freely draining soil. Avoid low pockets that stay wet. |
|---|---|
| Water | Water regularly through the first growing season. After establishment, water deeply but less often; do not keep the root zone constantly wet. |
| Feeding | Use a light, balanced slow-release feed in spring. Excess nitrogen can produce loose growth. |
| Pruning | Lightly shape after the main flowering flush. Avoid cutting hard into old leafless wood. |
| Containers | Use a large pot with generous drainage holes and a fast-draining mix. Container plants need more frequent checks in hot weather. |
| Cold | Best in mild-winter climates. Brief temperatures around 20–25°F (about −7 to −4°C) may be tolerated by established plants, but duration, wind and wet soil increase injury. |
Troubleshooting lookup
| Symptom | Most likely checks | First response |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowing plus wet soil | Poor drainage, overly frequent irrigation, root stress | Pause watering, verify drainage and inspect roots before fertilizing. |
| Brown tips after cold night | Frost or drying wind | Wait for new growth before pruning; protect during the next freeze. |
| Sparse or floppy growth | Too much shade, high nitrogen, no shaping | Increase light where practical and lightly prune after flowering. |
| Fine stippling or webbing | Spider mites, especially in hot dry conditions | Rinse foliage, improve plant vigor and confirm the pest before treatment. |
| Few flowers | Low light, pruning at the wrong time, excess fertilizer | Provide more sun and prune only after the main bloom period. |
FAQ and data cautions
Is ‘Sunset Gold’ the same as pink Breath of Heaven?
No. ‘Sunset Gold’ is a compact golden-foliage selection commonly listed under Coleonema pulchellum (and in older references under related synonyms). The straight pink form is usually greener and larger.
Why do sources disagree on flower color and exact size?
Plant names and older synonyms are used inconsistently in horticultural trade. Climate and pruning also affect size. This page uses practical ranges and preserves direct reference links so readers can compare descriptions.
Is golden foliage always a sign of stress?
No—gold/chartreuse foliage is the defining feature of ‘Sunset Gold’. Concern is warranted when the normal color shifts to dull yellow-brown alongside wilting, wet soil, dieback or poor growth.
Is Breath of Heaven safe for pets?
Reliable species- and cultivar-specific toxicity data are limited and online claims conflict. This selector intentionally does not label any Coleonema as pet-safe. Ask a veterinarian or poison-control service about the exact botanical name before allowing chewing or ingestion.
How should I use the coastal-tolerance field?
“Excellent” indicates plants commonly used in exposed coastal landscapes; “Good” or “Moderate” still depends on wind intensity, direct salt spray, soil drainage and establishment irrigation.