Description This is a fast growing medium size tree. It can be grown as a large shrub too. As a tree it can grow to 15′ in height but it can be kept smaller with some trimming. Trimming should be done after the flowers are gone in the spring until mid September. The old flowers remain on the plant for a long time. Cleaning up the dry flower heads is advisable for a neat appearance. I also recommend that it be kept at a manageable size in order for you to be able to trim it back every year after flowering. You can trim it pretty much as far back as is necessary without deforming the tree. Dombeya wallichii doesn’t loose its leaves in the winter unless that the temperature falls to the low 20’s. It likes full sun, plenty of water and fertilizer during the growing season. The plant will produce its flowers (fragrant) at the beginning of the year and they should last for over 1 month. It is a strong grower and even though it is possible to grow it in a container for many years, it will perform better in the ground. The flowers, in my opinion, smell like a birthday cake or cake batter. Very delicious! FAMILY : Sterculiaceae ORIGIN : Africa TYPE/USES : large shrub, small tree MATURE SIZE : 12′-15′ average GROWTH RATE : very very fast LIGHT REQUIREMENTS : full/partial sun WATER REQUIREMENTS : average to high MIN. TEMP. : low 30’s for a short period of time FLOWER : winter, sweet fragrance
