Growing Desert Rose in WA

Name: Baileys Fertilisers
Address: Perth, Western Australia
Telephone: (08) 9439 1688

Author

Baileys Fertiliser

Published

16 February 2023

Fruits & Citrus

Desert Rose (Adenium besum) is a succulent plant species native to East Africa. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance, featuring a swollen, bottle-like stem and large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, white or yellow.

Where to grow Desert Rose

Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun exposure. Desert roses are well adapted to arid climates and can tolerate long periods of drought, well suited to Perth summers and warm northern areas of Western Australia. It requires well-draining soil and protection from frost to thrive. It is often grown in pots to maximise sun exposure throughout seasons.

Planting Desert Rose in Pots

If growing in pots or tubs, choose Baileys Premium Potting mix. Make a hole in the centre of the soil that is slightly larger than the root ball of the desert rose. Carefully remove the plant from its container and loosen any tangled roots. Place the plant in the hole and backfill the soil around it, gently firming the soil down around the roots.

Water the plant thoroughly, but allow the soil to drain completely. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot. Place the potted desert rose in a bright, sunny location.

How to plant Desert Rose in your garden

If you are planting in the garden, chose a sunny spot and amend the soil with Baileys Soil Improver Plus. Plant the desert rose in a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball and water well. The plant can grow up to 2-3 meters tall in ideal conditions but is often kept smaller through pruning.

How to care for Desert Rose

Mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture in the soil, use Baileys Moisture Mulch. Water the desert rose regularly during the first growing season to help it establish roots. Once established, desert roses are relatively drought-tolerant and only need occasional watering.

Fertilise the desert rose once a month during the growing season. Feed with a complete fertiliser, such as Baileys Soil Matters Garden. This contains all essential macro and micro nutrients, and a biological coating which encourages strong root growth.

Prune the desert rose as needed to control its size and shape.

Pests and Diseases

Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, such as scale insects, mealybugs, and fungal infections. Treat them promptly if you notice any issues.

Note: Desert roses are generally hardy plants but they may not survive in southern regions of Western Australia due to different weather conditions, if you are unsure if your region is suitable for growing desert rose, it is always better to consult with local nurseries or gardening experts.