Desert Rose — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Adenium obesum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 23.9–32.2 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 365–730 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–91.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 45.7–152.4 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–76.2 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 10–12 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Transplant |
Growing directions
Plant in full sun in very well-drained, gritty, low-fertility soil — overwatering and poor drainage are the primary causes of failure; Desert Rose is a succulent shrub native to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, producing a stout, swollen stem base (caudex) that stores water and gives the plant its dramatic, bonsai-like silhouette — one of the most architecturally distinctive succulents available to zone 9 gardeners. The brilliant trumpet-shaped flowers in hot pink, red, white, coral, or multicolored forms (depending on variety) bloom profusely from spring through fall, covering the leafy stems in showy clusters. Desert Rose performs best in the hot, bright conditions of the Gulf Coast summer and tolerates the heat that would wilt most ornamentals. In zone 9 it must be container-grown and protected from winter freezes below 40°F; bring containers indoors to a bright, frost-free location from November through March. The sculptural caudex becomes more impressive and valuable as the plant ages — established plants with large caudex formations are prized as living sculpture.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0