Pink-Ball

The Pink-Ball is a spectacularly large shrub with large heart-shaped leaves and dense heads of little pink flowers which hang from foot long stems. The plant is native to Madagascar, but widely grown as a large garden shrub in Florida. Of the family Sterculiaceae it is cultivated for its beautiful pendulous bright pink flower-balls.

Plant Facts:

Common Name:   Pink-Ball

Botanical Name:   Dombeya Wallichii

Family:  Sterculiaceae

Plant Type:  Large evergreen shrub.

Origin: Madagascar

Zones: 9 - 11

Height:  Small tree to 30', but usually seen as a large shrub in Florida

Rate of Growth: Fast

Salt Tolerance: None

Soil Requirements:  Prefers loamy well-drained soil, but will tolerate sand

Water Requirements: Requires regular watering until well established

Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly

Light Requirements: Full sun or high, shifting shade

Form:  Large shrub that will grow as wide as it does high

Leaves:  Large, coarse, heart-shaped

Flowers: Pink or red

Fruits: Capsules which split into five parts at maturity

Pests or diseases:  Aphids, soft scales, sooty-mold, and nematodes

Uses:  Free standing specimen, hedge, or screen

Bad Habits: Foliage damaged by frost, plant very cold tender -- plant in frostless locations. May outgrow small yards.

Cost:  $$ -- Very reasonable

Propagation:  Cuttings

Source:  Florida Landscape Plants: Native and Exotic,  ISBN 0-8130-0529-9