desert rose
Adenium obesum
RHS AGM 2002
USDA zones11 to 12
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size3 to 9 feet tall3 to 5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Red, rose or pink with creamy white throat
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Desert rose (Adenium obesum) is a succulent for containers, specimen planting, and xeriscape gardens. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 11 and warmer, down to about 40°F (4°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full sun and dry to average, sandy or loamy soil. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. Red, rose, or pink flowers with a creamy white throat attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.
Pairs well with Ponytail palm, New Zealand flax, and Indian blanket.
Native range
Africa.
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