This shrub to small tree has an upright branched habit forming a dense crown and becoming deciduous during dry periods. The maple-like leaves have a rough texture and the creamy-white cup-shaped fragrant flowers appear in clusters during early spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12 

Dombeya spectabilis is naturally found in tropical north-east South Africa and may attain a mature height of 14m (40ft). During the drier season the tree looses its leaves but in more moist climates it tends to be evergreen. 

It prefers a well-drained moderately fertile soil with reliable moisture and grows in a protected sunny to semi-shaded position and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

The South African Wild Pear is grown for its attractive foliage and scented flowers. It is planted in shrub borders for screening or as a specimen in small gardens. It can be grown in a container in cooler climates and establishes in 2 to 3 years. It may require the removal of the spent flowers to enhance the attractive foliage. ID 1372

Dombeya (DOM-bee-a) spectabilis (speck-TAB-ih-liss)

Malvaceae (mal-VAY-see-ee)
Cotton, Mallows and Hollyhocks