Mark A. Miller
Family
Apocynaceae
Botanical Name
ADENIUM obesum 'Black Ruby'
Plant Common Name
Black Ruby Desert Rose, Desert Rose
General Description
Desert rose is a hothouse baby with swollen “feet.” It is native to sub-Saharan Africa and Arabia and is a large perennial shrub to small tree with a much swollen base which is sometime buried underground. Grown for spectacular bell-shaped flowers, ‘Black Ruby' blossoms have white centers, red petals with a very dark red or 'black' edge which appear in summer in mass and few scattered throughout the year. The ovate leaves are clustered on the ends of many twisted branches, most with no petiole. It is usually leafless during the dry season.
Desert rose is very cold sensitive and will not tolerate cold soil, air or frost. Grow it in containers in cool to cold climates, outside only in frost-free locations. Desert rose must have well-drained soil, ideally slightly alkaline. It needs full sun, but benefits from a bit of shade in the hottest part of the day. Desert rose grows where dry winters and wet summers mimic its native habitat: water during growth in spring and summer and withhold it during winter's dormancy. Use desert rose on hot patios, to accent a western exposure or in desert gardens.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H2, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
3'-15' / 0.9m - 4.6m
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Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Eastern Africa, Southern Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Very Slow
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Twisted/Contorted
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Red, Black
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Flower Color Modifier
Multi-Color
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Rock Garden / Wall, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
