This post was written for the MrBrownThumb garden blog. If you garden in Chicago visit Chicago Garden on ChicagoNow.com
On a recent visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory I came across this potted Adenium obesum which made me realize just how much I've neglected my own Desert Roses this year. I have yet to officially try to bring them out of dormancy, even though they are leafing out on their own.
Notice how the branches on this Desert Rose have been trimmed and the branches that cross or grow towards the inside of the plant's crown have been removed. I really like this effect and will trim mine because it looks realistic.
A closer view of the flowers on the Adenium obesum. The flowers are beautiful and illustrate why this succulent plant is called a Desert Rose. Even when not in bloom, I think this is one of my favorite plants and the caudex provides enough interest for the indoor gardener. See how the plant buds on new growth? Make sure not to trim the tips when it starts to grow or leaf out in the Spring.
Here a closer look at a seed pod on another Adenium obesum in the collection of the conservatory. The seeds have been dispersed but if you're lucky enough to get seed pods to produce there are a couple of methods for saving the seeds from Adenium that you can employ. Cover the seed pod with either a paper bag or with a fabric like muslin or an old pair of pantyhose.
Previous Posts on Adenium Obesum:
Adenium Obesum Care
Adenium Obesum Seedlings
Adenium Obesum Propagation by Cuttings
Garden Book: "Bulb" by Anna Pavord
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Earlier this month, I was offered a review copy of Bulb by Anna Pavord and the chance to talk to the author on the phone while she was visiting the U.S. to t...
21 comments:
Very interesting, Mr. MBT -- I've had Desert Roses for years and never had a seed pod. I wonder why? Now that you've piqued my curiosity I'll have to go figure that one out. Mine is in full bloom, but my photo didn't make the cut for the GBBD post today! I'll try again tomorrow.
I will have to have one of these now...they are so beautiful!
This is so strange. Just this morning when I was watering my plants, I told my neighbour about my Desert Rose that has not produced any seed pod yet and now, I see one here ha ha ;-)
Wow a plant I've never had - I am going to keep my eye open for a Desert Rose. Beautiful blooms!
You have some of the coolest plants MBT! I've never seen a desert rose before. They're really pretty. I don't remember seeing them at the conservatory . . . guess that means I'll have to go back! ;)
I'll probably have Sting's "Desert Rose" in my head all day now - (might be a nice change from "Pretty Woman!")
Is it wrong to like the seed pod even more than the flowers?! :)
The Desert Rose is a very pretty plant, I have one and still waiting for it to bloom.
-Cathy
Mr. Brown Thumb Hello you! Thank you for visiting my blog! I'm glad I got that song stuck in your head! ( tehe ) What a wonderful post and such beautiful captures of the gorgeous Desert Rose! Thank you so much for sharing and have a fantastic, relaxing evening! xo~
I don't know this plant...but it's quite lovely and the way it grows is fascinating~~gail
Love your desert rose! I just got a cutting from an 'evergreen frangipani,' which is supposedly somewhat like a desert rose but it keeps it's leaves longer and has white blossoms. I think the desert roses are so pretty when they bloom!
Very pretty.
This makes me wish I knew how to garden.
@Diana,
Now you got me wondering too. You should have plenty of pollinators in your area. I mean if the A. obesums in the GPC can be pollinated under glass why not yours. Hmmm.
@Julie,
I got all three of mine at Wal-Mart/Home Depot a couple of years back. Online they are sooo expensive. I only paid three bucks for mine.
@Stephanie,
LOL, it seems garden bloggers get the same plants on their minds at the same time.
@Faith,
Good luck, see comment above to Julie about where I scored mine.
@Garden Girl,
Yeah, I had planned to go back to get a better pic but forgot all about it. LOL @ "Pretty Woman." I had it in my head for days.
@Monica,
In this case, yes, it is. :0)
@Outside in,
Let me know when you post pics of yours.
@Marcy,
Hi, don't mention it. Was my pleasure to visit your blog.
@Gail,
Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment.
@Kara,
The Frangipani is similar in that they are both coveted by indoor growers who like showey flowers. I've never had a Frangipani and wonder how they would do in one of my windows.
@WhisperingWriter,
You don't need to know how to garden, just try a few plants in a window and it will come to you. Like story ideas when you're holding pen & paper.
the flowers are beautiful!
<3 Lindsay
Great to see the pics. I grow my own Adeniums from seed - & successfully too. In winter I have to take great care as temperature plummets close to or blow 0 degrees C. I hope to post some pics of my plants.
Hi Raju,
Let me know when you post your pic. Can't get enough of this plant myself.
Wow, what a fine specimen. I am a cook more than a gardener so my own Desert rose looks sad in comparison. It flowers nicely but I have never paid attention to trimming so it doesn't branch out very nicely. Also I have never seen it produce seed pods. This plant is almost impossible to kill - unless of course you overwater it - hmm and even then I've had my plant recover after being left out doors during the rainy season here in the tropics.
Hi Wizzy,
I should post pics of another one in the same garden. It has to be at least six feet tall. One of my own is currently blooming and I'll post pics later.
Thanks for stopping by.
I would like to share photos of my desert rose. Where can I send them?
Woodpilot,
Since you have a Blogger account why not create a blog where you can post the pictures of your plant? Alternately, you can upload them to flickr or some other hosting service and share the link in the comments.
ibought a dersert rose 3 year ago in shelby gardens in sarasota fla.thissummer in my back yard in my plant had over 50 flowers. now in my house for the winter. all day southern exposure.now in nov. it has made10 seedpods some with2 sectoins some 13 innches long. by the way i live in chicago.
Hi Jeff,
Sounds like you have an awesome plant there. Good luck with your seeds.
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