Dombeya spp.Tropical Snowball
Edward F. Gilman
This document provides an overview of the tropical snowball (Dombeya spp.), a shrub native to tropical Africa. It highlights the plant’s characteristics, including its bright pink or red flowers, coarse-textured foliage, and fast growth rate. The shrub thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11 and can be planted year-round1. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant in sunny landscapes and requires regular fertilization to maintain its vibrant green leaves. The document also notes the plant’s susceptibility to pests such as aphids and scales, and the potential for micronutrient deficiencies in high pH soils. Original publication date October 1999.
