“Desert Rose”, a copyrighted post, was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
My very good neighbors have been out of town for a few days, and I have been taking care their plants. With all the heat and little rain, the container plants especially needs looking after. Fortunately, we had a much needed rain shower late yesterday afternoon, and it dropped 1.7 inches of rain, the most we have had in months. So, this morning when I went to check on things, I brought my camera to take a photo or two of their desert rose plant which is in bloom. I just love the color of these flowers, a dark cherry red. The camera just does not show the true color, unfortunately. There really isn’t that much pink in the center when you see it in person.
I would love to have one of these plants, but it is hardy only to zone 10 and would have to be protected during the winter. I already have too many plants that I bring in or cover when freezing temperatures are predicted, and I just can’t add any more, so I will have to enjoy the neighbors’ flowers. But, every time I pass by this container of gorgeous, red flowers, I want one of these plants.
The desert rose (Adenium obesum) seems to be an easy to care for plant, just very tender. If I didn’t already have so many plants to take care of in winter time, this plant with the showy, red flowers definitely would be on my patio right now.
Always Growing 
Janet said,
June 29, 2009 at 10:58 am
I LOVE this plant!! Gave one to my good friend when we went to visit her and haven’t found another. I had it in the house for a while in the winter but it got spider mites very quickly so a bath in insecticidal soap and out to the garage for the rest of the cold weather and out on the deck in the spring. It was blooming like mad by the time I could take it to my friend (she is in NY). She repotted it last year and says it is doing great!! To me the stem structure looks like something from Dr. Seuss!!
Jan said,
July 2, 2009 at 11:57 am
Janet, the bases of this plant looks so unusual, and to have such gorgeous flowers from these “elephant foot looking” things certainly makes this stand out. I am glad your friend’s plant is doing so well. These plants certainly are summer stand outs.
Randy said,
June 29, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I’ve been in love with those blooms since I first saw them in February! Just beautiful!
Jan said,
July 2, 2009 at 11:58 am
Randy, these are so pretty. I have seen other colors, but the red is definitely my favorite.
Patty said,
June 29, 2009 at 11:43 pm
You are such a bad influence! I just ordered one of these plants from Arizona. I got Crimson Stars. I hope it is as nice as the one you pictured. I love the weird trunk too. It seems impossible for these blooms to grow on top of that stem. Thanks for sharing.
Jan said,
July 2, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Patty, I don’t know if I should apologize or not. I know you will really like this plant. It flowers for a long time here, and while you will have to bring it in in the fall, it should do well in your sunroom. Let me know how it looks when yours comes in.