Desert Rose in Full Bloom.

The Desert Rose is a colourful addition to any garden and they have surged in popularity over the years and have been blooming prodigiously this season. Jenny at the Palm Nursery showed us the large number and variations they have for sale.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Jenny said Desert Roses are very easy to grow and are propagated from seeds at the nursery. But there are a few things to watch with them. Water sparingly over the colder months she said. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so in the wet season you should bring your potted desert rose under cover if you can. In the event of rot happening, take the plant out of the pot and leave it in a safe dry area as it may take months to completely dry out, then replant.

                                                                                                                                                               

It is a great water wise plant and you can create a stunning display of potted desert roses in any type of garden. Although they are not actually roses but Adeniums which  are commonly known as Desert Roses. The 'desert' part is correct as they come from Africa and the Middle East, but they’re certainly not roses. Adenium obesium, as they’re commonly known, are actually more related to Alamandas, Oleanders and Frangipanis. One writer described them as contented Boabs!

Jenny said that no two plants will grow exactly the same.  They can reach to about 2 metres high, and love hot, tropical climates. Adeniums like an open, well-drained soil, so use one part vermiculite to two parts quality potting mix. Fertilise with a slow release fertiliser every 8 months or so and a liquid seaweed tonic every fortnight. Water lightly, but regularly in the heat and direct the water to the base of the plant.

                                                                                                                                                               

Here are extracts from notes by Leonie Norrington from the Gardening Australia website.

• Propagating: Adenium seed pods come in pairs and they’re filled with dandelion-like fluffy seeds. Separate the seeds and plant densely into the media. Cover with a bit of soil and in a month’s time they’ll be crowded and ready to pot on into individual pots. Seeds are not necessarily 'true to type' meaning that a plant with white flowers may produce offspring with different colours. But Adeniums grown from cuttings tend to be a bit scraggly, so propagating from seeds is the best way to get lovely fat trunks.

                                                                                                                                                               

• Repotting: Each time you re-pot, the plant should sit a bit higher. This encourages the roots down further and the cortex to sit above the surface of the soil and fill out more. Eventually you’ll get a beautiful, fat, happy Adenium.

                                                                                                                                                             

• Pruning: In the wet season, the chance of getting rot in the open wounds is very high, so prune during the dry season. Pruning will improve the shape and encourage more branches and flowers.

Inside Gardening Australia you can find tips on grafting your Adeniums.

Jenny said that the Desert Rose is only one of many plants grown at the Palm Nursery as they are more than just about Palms, so come and check out the large and colourful selection for summer!