James H. Schutte
Family
Apocynaceae
Botanical Name
Adenium obesum
Plant Common Name
Desert Rose
General Description
Desert rose is a heat-loving beauty with swollen “feet” or trunk flare. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa and Arabia and is a large perennial shrub to small tree with a wide swollen base which is sometimes buried underground. The ovate leaves are clustered on the ends of many twisted branches, most with no petiole. It is usually leafless during the cooler winter dry season. Grown for spectacular bell-shaped flowers with colors ranging from deep rose/red to pale pink which appear in summer in mass and few scattered throughout the year.
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 that is ideally on the alkaline side. It relishes full sun, but will benefit from a bit of shade in the hottest part of the afternoon. Desert rose grows where dry winters and wet summers mimic its native habitat. Water and fertilizer freely during a growth cycle in spring and summer and withhold it during dormancy. Use desert rose on hot patios, to accent a western exposure, water conservation plantings 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, Early Fall, Fall
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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, Pink
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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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
