The Dombeya elegans, or Cape Wedding Flower, is a large evergreen shrub native to certain parts of southern Africa. The plant, part of the Dombeya genus, can easily exceed two metres in height over a two-year period and has an impressively long blooming cycle, beginning in the early autumn and lasting through the spring.
The leaves are a medium green colour, feature a slightly fuzzy texture, and are similar in shape to a maple leaf. Its bloom consists of pale pink flowers in rose-shaped clusters, although the colour darkens with age. The plant also attracts butterflies.
This shrub is ideal for UAE gardens as it enjoys full sun and remains fresh and green throughout the hot summer months. It can also stand wind and drought, and is rapid to regrow if destroyed by salt-laden or cold winds. The plant is easily propagated from cuttings.
