Dombeya spectabilis (Dombeya)
Posted: December 15th, 2013, 9:47 am
| Botanical Name | Dombeya spectabilis |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Local Name in Urdu | Not available |
| Common Name | Dombeya |
| Life Cycle | Please tell us |
| Cultivar Name | N/A |
| Fragrant or Not | Not perceptible |
| Category(Bush/Vine/Tree) | Small tree |
| Height | 12-15 ft |
| Spacing | Spacing between plants should be at least 6 feet |
| Flowering Months | December till January/February in Lahore |
| Flower Color | Light pink |
| Growing Areas | The photographed specimen is growing in Lahore |
| Frost Tender | Not available |
| Exposure | Full sunlight |
| Soil pH | No specific issues known |
| Propagation | Seeds, air layering |
| Uses | Ornamental tree |
| Other Details (by M.I. Khurram) | Native to Tropical Africa and Madagascar, it can be propagated by seeds, cuttings and mostly by air layering which is mostly used by the nurseries. There is also another variety having dark pink flowers but it has not proven to be as resilient as this cultivar. This is a small tree which attains a height around 12-15 feet and bears clusters of light pinkish flowers similar to Hydrangea. Extremely beneficial for the wildlife flowers of this cultivar attract honey bees and wasps. A small sampling can be purchased around Rs 150-200 and grows rapidly grows to 6 feet tall within an year if planted in a site having full sun.Propagation through cuttings is possible but air layering is generally used by nurseries. The spent flowers & branches can be cut sideways after the flowering period to maintain a tidy shape |
