Ciliate Dombeya (Dombeya ciliata)

Ciliate Dombeya

Dombeya ciliata

Soft-fringed blooms carry gentle charm, a warm addition to subtropical gardens. Flowering shrub; common name: Ciliate Dombeya.

Full sun
2–3/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial sun; tolerates light shade, but blooms best in bright sunlight
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Watering Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; allow top 2 cm of soil to dry between waterings in winter
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Temperature Prefers warm subtropical climates; protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Oval to heart-shaped, with ciliate (fringed) margins, soft matte green, 5–12 cm long
  • Flower: Dense clusters of pale pink to white bell-shaped blooms, lightly fragrant, 2–3 cm in diameter
  • Stem: Woody grey-brown stems, covered in fine soft hairs when young
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot

Fertilization

Feed monthly with a balanced organic liquid fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during winter dormancy

Banana peel tea:Soak 2-3 banana peels in 1 liter of water for 3 days, strain, and dilute 1:20 before applying as a root drench
Pruning
  • Prune immediately after flowering to maintain a compact, rounded shape
  • Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve air circulation
  • Thin overcrowded growth to encourage more abundant blooms in the following season
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects for humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden shrub, cut flower arrangements