Tree
Tropical Hydrangea
Dombeya wallichii
Varieties We Carry
StandardDombeya wallichii
Sizes & Pricing
7 galFrom$125.00
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size10-20 feet × 10-20 feet
About Tropical Hydrangea
Tropical Hydrangea (Dombeya wallichii), also called Pinkball Tree, is a fast-growing tropical shrub or small tree from Madagascar producing large, pendulous, ball-shaped clusters of deep pink fragrant flowers in fall and winter. Rated for zones 9b–12 with frost protection, it brings bold color to NE Florida landscapes during the cooler months and is a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds. Starting at $125.00.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Tropical Hydrangea thrives in full sun, which produces the densest bloom clusters; it tolerates light shade but flowering is reduced — in NE Florida, a sunny open site is ideal for its spectacular fall–winter display.
Water
Water regularly during the growing season to maintain moderate moisture; once established it has moderate drought tolerance — a 2–3 inch mulch layer around the base helps retain soil moisture in Florida's sandy soils.
Soil & Fertilizer
Highly adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils; fertilize in summer with a balanced slow-release fertilizer — remove dried flower heads for tidiness but otherwise this is a low-maintenance plant requiring minimal care.
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Common questions
Is Tropical Hydrangea a good plant for St. Augustine?
Tropical Hydrangea is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 10-20 feet × 10-20 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.