Pink Rockrose Plant Care

Pink Rockrose (Ladenbergia discolor) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Ladenbergia genus. Pink Rockrose is native to Mediterranean region. Pink Rockrose is also known as Ladanum discolor.

Pink Rockrose displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Pink Rockrose produces small, white, fragrant flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Pink Rockrose every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Pink Rockrose thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Pink Rockrose in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ladenbergia discolor tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Pink Rockrose prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining acidic soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Pink Rockrose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Pink Rockrose every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining acidic soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Pink Rockrose is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Pink Rockrose can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Pink Rockrose while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Pink Rockrose is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Pink Rockrose can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ladenbergia acutifolia plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Pink Rockrose is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Pink Rockrose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Pink Rockrose is native to Mediterranean region. In cooler regions, grow Pink Rockrose as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.