Adenium obesum

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Desert roseCactus or succulent, Conservatory, House plant, DeciduousFamily: Apocynaceae

Height: 1mSpread: 1m
Tender

Flower colour:

Pink

Red

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Soil

Well Drained / Light / Sandy

The desert rose, Adenium obesum, is a shrubby succulent with glossy green leaves and red-pink flowers. It has a widespread native distribution in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, so in the UK it needs to be grown under glass all year. It's a popular choice for bonsai, in part owing to the swollen caudex, which stores water.

For best results, grow Adenium obesum under glass all year, in a container with well-drained soil, with added sharp sand to boost drainage. Grow in full sun, but provide with a bit of shade from the hottest summer sun. Find out more in our grow guide. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecFlowersyesyesyes

Adenium ‘Obesum’ and wildlife

Adenium ‘Obesum’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Adenium ‘Obesum’ poisonous?

Adenium ‘Obesum’ can be toxic. Its sap is toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract People

People

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock