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Panama Rose

Panama Rose

Rondeletia leucophylla

• ​Common Name: Panama Rose (other common names: Bush Penta).
  
• Scientific Name: Rondeletia leucophylla
  
• Family Name: Rubiaceae
  
• Origin: Mexico
  
• Height: 12 ‘- 15’
  
• Width: 10’ - 12’
  
• Growth: fast growing    
  
• Zone: 10B - 11
  
• Light Needs: Sun – partial shade.
  
• Salt Tolerance:  Moderately.
  
• Soil/PH/Texture: Prefers slightly acidic soil, no real pH preference (pH 5.6 – 6.5).
  
• Soil Moisture: Average moisture - water moderately but do not overwater, (well-drained soil will avoid root rot).
  
• Drought Tolerance: Moderately drought-tolerant once established.
  
• Pests/Diseases: No serious pests or diseases but can get rot root easily (don’t overwater).
  
• Growing Conditions: Easily maintained, with a little pruning – can be kept three to five feet tall with careful pruning which is best done in early summer.
  
• Characteristics: This evergreen has lance-shaped leaves that are medium green in color. They sport clusters of star-shaped, dark-pink tubular flowers with yellow centers, under 1”, that bloom in December – May, although blooms may occur throughout the year on and off.
  
• Propagation: By softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings.
  
• Wildlife: Attracts butterflies, bees and hummingbirds - the scent of the flower is more intense at night, but butterflies favor them during the day when the fragrance is lighter.
  
• Facts: The Panama Rose is noted for its beautiful aroma, especially after sunset. The Panama Rose is not a true rose, but a great flowering shrub and butterfly attracter.
  
• Designer Considerations:  Can be used as a hedge, specimen, windbreak, tree, small mass plantings (3 – 5) in a butterfly garden, accent for a mixed garden bed, surrounding a tall specimen like a tree, around the patio to enjoy the fragrance or in a pot on the patio.​