Dombeya Pink Cloud Cape Wedding FlowerTropical Hydrangea Live Plant Shrub Starter Size 4 Inch Pot

Dombeya elegans 'Pink Cloud' is also known by the common names of Tropical Hydrangea or Cape Wedding Flower. It is a somewhat lesser-known, large-growing, semi-tropical evergreen shrub with an open, branching, tree-like growth habit. Dombeya elegans is believed to have been brought to the U.S. by the Plant Introduction Station in Miami from Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean in 1951. Over the next decade, many seedlings and cultivars were created and released to various nurseries and researchers for field trials in several southern states. Plants currently cultivated commercially are likely select cultivars and generational hybrids derived from plants in those early trials.

Pink Cloud has an extraordinarily long bloom cycle, beginning in early fall and lasting through spring. The blooms are multi-shaded, pastel pink flowers that resemble azaleas and bougainvilleas. The flowers are born at the terminal ends of the branches in large ball-like clusters. The leaves are medium green, with a somewhat fuzzy texture and shaped similar to a maple leaf. Dombeya can be used in many creative and versatile ways to brighten a sub-tropical to tropical garden.

Use it as a hedge, boundary, windbreak, or backdrop planting for mixed perennial beds. It can be used to anchor and accent corners, to delineate bed changes, or as a standalone specimen.

Care: When mature, plant in fertile, well-draining soil or potting media in full sun to very light shade. Water as needed to maintain consistent soil moisture, but avoid overwatering.. Feed a good-quality, slow-release, bloom-boosting fertilizer initially and annually in spring thereafter. Prune after flowering to control size and shape.

Indoor Growing: This plant grows large and requires the full spectrum of light for 4 to 6 hours daily, high humidity, warm temperatures, and a period of chilling during winter dormancy to produce flowers, so it is not well-suited for the average indoor growing space.

Climate: Dombeya Pink Cloud is a tropical plant and is recommended for growing in USDA Zones 9, 10, and 11. Protection from cold temperatures is required in all zones for the longest life, best appearance, and earliest flowering. Note that Zone recommendations are based on average temperatures and do not consider factors such as humidity, rainfall, or day/night temperature variations. Every growing environment has unique challenges