Panama rose Plant Care

Panama rose (Rondeletia racemosa) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Rondeletia genus. Panama rose is native to Jamaica. Panama rose is also known as Rondeletia odorata, fragrant Panama rose.

Panama rose displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Panama rose produces showy clusters of small, tubular flowers in various colors like pink, red, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Panama rose 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.

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

Rondeletia racemosa tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Panama rose prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Panama rose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Panama rose 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 rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Panama rose 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.

Panama rose 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.

Prune Panama rose 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.

Panama rose 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.

Panama rose can be propagated through softwood cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to adamsii rondeletia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Panama rose 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.

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