Dombeya wallichii (Pink Ball Tree)

Dombeya wallichii or Pink Ball Tree does best in full sun, but will tolerate light shade. Dombeya wallichii is an amazing large evergreen shrub or small tree, up to 5-10 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide, native to Africa and Madagascar. Very often in horticulture, plants sold under this name are actually Dombeya x cayeuxii (a hybrid of D. wallichii x D. burgessiae), which is very difficult to distinguish visually.

When grown in full sun, the shrub will need moderate water. In colder regions, it should be grown in containers as it is not cold hardy below USDA Zone 9-11. In pot, it should be grown in well-draining soil and it is important to protect it from frost. When established, more drought-tolerant than most other Dombeyas. During the summer, it should be fertilized with a balanced plant food. This will help promote healthy growth and flowering. Pruning should be done in late autumn or winter to keep the plant small and bushy.

It is a great choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds due to its fragrant pink flowers, which bloom from autumn to spring. It can also be trained into a standard for a stunning display. Pruning in late autumn or winter will also help keep the plant small and bushy. Dombeya wallichii is an absolute must-have for gardens looking for a spectacular, fragrant winter bloomer.