What is a Panama Rose?
Panama rose plant (Rondeletia stigosa) is a small, sprawling, evergreen shrub with glossy, green leaves. Panama rose bush produces clusters of reddish-pink flowers with yellow throats beginning in December, continuing into spring or early summer, and sometimes longer. Panama rose is suitable for growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11. The plant won’t survive freezing temperatures, although it may bounce back from a light frost. Panama rose plants can also be grown indoors, in a container, or in a hanging basket.
Panama Rose Bush Care
Growing Panama rose is a relatively easy endeavor. Panama rose plants grow in light shade, but the ideal location will have morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Plant Panama rose plants in fertile, well-drained soil amended with well-rotted manure or compost. If you’re planting more than one shrub, allow 3 feet (1 m.). between each plant. Although Panama rose bushes tolerate short periods of drought, they perform best with a deep weekly watering. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. The plant may rot in soggy soil. Feed your Panama rose plant in early spring, early summer, and late summer using a general-purpose garden fertilizer. Remove any cold-damaged growth in late February; otherwise, wait until flowering ceases in early summer when you can trim the bush to the desired size. Don’t prune Panama rose bushes past late summer when the plant begins budding for winter bloom. These plants are easily propagated with softwood cuttings should you wish to produce more. Watch for pests such as spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs. All are fairly easy to control with insecticidal soap spray, especially if caught early on.
Growing Panama Rose Indoors
If you live in an area outside its hardiness zone, you can grow Panama rose as container plants to move indoors for winter. Indoors, plant Panama rose in a container filled with quality commercial potting mix. Put the plant in a warm room with plenty of sunlight. If the room is dry, increase the humidity by putting the pot on a tray of wet pebbles.
