Cape May Plant Care

Cape May (Coleonema pulchellum) belongs to the Rutaceae family within the Coleonema genus. Cape May is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. Cape May is also known as Cape Myrtle, Breath of Heaven.

Cape May displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Cape May produces small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink or white.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Cape May every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Cape May thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Coleonema pulchellum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Cape May prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cape May to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Cape May every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cape May is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Cape May can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Cape May while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Cape May is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Cape May can be propagated through softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Cape May is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Cape May grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Cape May is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Cape May as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.