All Plants Shrubs

Rondeletia amoena (syn. Rogiera amoena) – Rondeletia

Rondeletia is one of those forgotten shrubs that seems to have fallen out of fashion. Quite popular in the 1960s and 1970s, it’s garden use declined over the years. I have no idea why.

Botanical name

Rondeletia amoena (syn. Rogiera amoena)

Common name

Rondeletia

Rondeletia plant description

Rondeletia is a hardy, evergreen shrub originating from Guatamala and Mexico.

The leaves are dark green and display quite prominent veins. It produces clusters of soft pink, perfumed flowers at the ends of its branches in Spring and early Summer. These are highly attractive to birds and butterflies.

Rondeletia grows to around 3m in height and 3m in width. The specimen pictured above is located in the Sydney suburb of Marsfield as a street planting.

Climate

Sub-tropical and tropical.

Plant cultivation & care

Can adapt to most soils but prefers a well drained soil that contains organic matter. Plant in a full sun to part shade position. Tolerates coastal conditions but does require plenty of water during warm weather. Does not tolerate frost.

Propagate from softwood cuttings in Spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in Summer/Autumn.

Plant use

Screens, Shrubberies, hedges, coastal gardens, street plantings

Pruning

Prune after flowering to promote bushy growth. Plant can become quite straggly otherwise. Suckers may need to be removed at ground level.

Pests & diseases

No specific pests or diseases.