Skyflower Plant Care
Rondeletia glauca Griseb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its striking silver-green leaves that have a unique glaucous hue, this plant originates from the tropical regions of Central and South America. Plant collectors are drawn to this species not only for its eye-catching foliage, but also for its ability to attract colorful butterflies and birds to the garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Skyflower?
Plant Skyflower in bright indirect light (USDA zones 10a–11b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Skyflower Native To?
What Is the Skyflower?
Skyflower (Rondeletia glauca) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Rondeletia genus. Skyflower is native to Jamaica. Skyflower is also known as Panama Rose.
Skyflower displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Skyflower produces showy clusters of small, tubular flowers in various colors like pink, red, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Skyflower?
Water a young or newly planted Skyflower 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Skyflower Need?
Skyflower thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Skyflower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Skyflower Prefer?
Rondeletia glauca tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Skyflower prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Skyflower?
Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Skyflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Skyflower?
Feed Skyflower 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Skyflower?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Skyflower is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.
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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Skyflower?
Skyflower can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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.
How Do You Prune a Skyflower?
Prune Skyflower 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.
How Do You Care for a Skyflower in Winter?
Skyflower is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Skyflower?
Skyflower can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to adamsii rondeletia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Skyflower Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Skyflower, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Skyflower?
Skyflower is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Skyflower Need?
Skyflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Skyflower is native to Jamaica. In cooler regions, grow Skyflower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Skyflower is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Rondeletia genus — compare its care with other Rondeletia species on PlantoScan.
Rondeletia is part of the Rubiaceae plant family — browse all Rubiaceae genera and species.
Skyflower thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Rondeletia Species
Other Rondeletia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rondeletia glauca Griseb., family Rubiaceae (first published in Fl. Brit. W. I. : 329 (1861)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Skyflower, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
