FloridaLandscapeIQ
Panama Rose (Rondeletia leucophylla) growing in South Florida
Grade Florida #1

Panama Rose — South Florida Plant Guide

Rondeletia leucophylla

Family: Rubiaceae · Shrub

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Landscape Uses

butterfly gardenhummingbird gardentropical flowering specimenfoundation plantingmixed tropical border

Style Tags

tropicalfloweringbutterflyfragrantcolorful

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full SunPartial Sun

Water Requirements

Low3/10

Once established (12–18 months), Panama Rose is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Moderate water. 2x per week dry season once established. Reasonably drought tolerant once established. Good drainage preferred.

Soil and Fertilization

sandyloamwell drained

Fertilizer: Balanced 8-2-12 slow-release. Iron supplement in limestone soils if chlorotic.

Schedule: February, May, September balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Salt Tolerance

Moderate (5/10) — some protection from direct spray recommended
Mature Height
48 ft
Mature Width
46 ft
Growth Rate
moderate
Water Demand
3/10
Florida Grade
Florida #1
Installed Cost
$$
USDA Zones
10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
5/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Panama Rose at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Panama Rose grow in South Florida?

Panama Rose has a moderate growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Panama Rose safe for pets?

Yes, Panama Rose is considered pet-safe. No significant toxicity information. Consider safe based on available data.

How much water does Panama Rose need in South Florida?

Low water needs (3/10). Once established (12–18 months), Panama Rose is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Panama Rose tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Panama Rose has moderate salt tolerance (5/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.

Is Panama Rose available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Panama Rose is classified as: allowed. Allowed.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Allowed. NOT FLEPPC.

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

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Broward County

Allowed

Allowed. Moderate Broward availability.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

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Palm Beach County

Allowed

Allowed. Limited availability in Palm Beach County.

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

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Collier County

Allowed

Allowed. Limited Collier availability — source from South Florida wholesalers.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

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Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed. Limited Keys availability.

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

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Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

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Ask about Panama Rose

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.