The Desert Rose (Adenium)

A rose by any other name may smell as sweet, but this rose is without any scent. This amazing plant is closely related to frangipani and Chinese star jasmine but, like oleanders, which are also in this family, it is without a perfume and has poisonous milky sap. What it lacks in fragrance however, it makes up for in sturdiness. It is incredibly drought and heat tolerant, growing naturally throughout the deserts of Arabia and into central Africa.

The flowers range in colour from white to deep red, with all shades of pink and bicolours in between. They often develop a swollen base, which helps store water. They are very suitable for pots, even bonsai, which has made them extremely popular throughout tropical Asia where they are considered to be good luck charms! In the ground they can grow to about 1m, but will need protection from cold and good drainage. They are also semi deciduous, dropping most of their foliage in winter.

Garden recipe: The Desert Rose (Adenium)