Gossypium sturtianum, commonly known as Sturt’s Desert Rose, is an evergreen shrub native to arid and semi-arid regions, including rocky slopes and gorges, as well as plains and desert areas of Central and Northern Australia. It typically has a lifespan of about 10 years and grows to a height and width of 1–2 meters. The plant is characterized by its large, showy flowers up to 12 cm in diameter, which bloom most of the year with a peak in late winter. The flowers exhibit a color gradient from pale pink to dark purple to maroon, with five petals arranged in a whorl around a dark red center. The foliage consists of round, green leaves that emit a strong scent when crushed.

Sturt’s Desert Rose is valued for its drought tolerance and the vibrant, long-lasting flowers that add color to gardens throughout the year. It is suitable for xeriscaping, rockeries, and as a feature plant in water-wise gardens. While it thrives in full sun to part shade, it requires low to medium water and well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0