Tropical Hydrangea (Dombeya acutangula)

Tropical Hydrangea

Dombeya acutangula

Soft pink hydrangea-like blooms bring warm-season charm. Evergreen shrub or small tree.

Partial sun
2–3/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Prefers full sun to partial shade; provide afternoon shade in hot, arid regions to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives in warm temperatures; protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C to avoid leaf damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Simple ovate to elliptic leaves with serrated margins, glossy green upper surface and pubescent undersides
  • Flower: Fragrant pale pink to white flower clusters resembling hydrangea inflorescences
  • Stem: Woody stems with angular young shoots; mature bark is smooth and light brown
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, water deeply 2-3 times weekly

Fertilization

Apply balanced diluted fertilizer once monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2-3 weeks, steep in water for 3 days, dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching; avoid using uncomposted peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Prune immediately after flowering to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches
  • Thin crowded inner branches to improve air circulation and light penetration
  • Remove spent flower clusters to encourage new growth and repeat blooming
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden plant, cut flower for floral arrangements