Turk's Cap, Wax Mallow, Ladies' Eardrops, Scotchman's Purse, Turk's Turban, Wild Fuchsia, Texas Mallow, Red Mallow, Bleeding Heart, Drummond Wax Mallow, Sleepy Hibiscus, Mexican Apple, Sleeping Hibiscus, Manzanita

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Common Name: Turk’s Cap, Wax Mallow, Ladies’ Eardrops, Scotchman’s Purse, Turk’s Turban, Wild Fuchsia, Texas Mallow, Red Mallow, Bleeding Heart, Drummond Wax Mallow, Sleepy Hibiscus, Mexican Apple, Sleeping Hibiscus, Manzanita

Botanical Name: Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii

Category: Shrub

Lifecycle: Perennial

USDA Symbol: MAAR14

Hardiness Zones: 7B – 10B

Sun: Full Sun (6+ hours of sun per day) , High Shade (1-2 hours of sun per day)

Water: Low

Soil: Adaptable

pH: Adaptable

Height: 2 to 5 ft

Spread: 2 to 5 ft

Spacing: 3 to 4 ft

Growth Rate: Rapid

Bloom Time: Seasonal

Bloom Color(s): White, Red, Pink

Leaf Type: Ovate

Leaf Shape: Obovate

Leaf Arrangement: Alternate

Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Fruit: Showy

Miscellaneous: Tolerates poor soil

Plant Description:

‘Turk’s Cap’ is named for the uncanny resemblance of its flower shape to that of a Turkish turban. Profuse cardinal-red blooms adorn this plant from May through November, followed by round, red, marble-sized fruits. Native to the Southeastern United States, Central America, and Texas, ‘Turk’s Cap’ is a versatile, care-free, and extremely popular perennial shrub for USDA zones 8-10. This plant will usually reach a height and spread of 2-5 feet, and is widely-appreciated in partly-shaded perennial flower beds, garden borders, and patio containers. Aside from its lovely appearance, the red fruits of ‘Turk’s Cap’ are edible and frequently brewed in herb teas or used to make jellies and syrups. ‘Turk’s Cap’ is one of the most-reliable flowering plants available for shady areas. White or pink-flowering varieties of this plant can also be found.

Propagation & Planting:

‘Turk’s Cap’ is versatile and will tolerate full sun or partial shade. This plant will not survive soggy soil, and prefers to receive 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. ‘Turk’s Cap’ is easily propagated from fresh seeds, making sure to barley cover them with soil when sowing. Softwood cuttings may also be taken from the plant. These should be several inches long, dipped into rooting hormone powder, and pressed into moist soil medium until roots begin to grow. Additionally, clumps may be lifted from the soil and divided for transplanting

Plant Care:

‘Turk’s Cap’ will need to be irrigated regularly until fully-established, but after that time period, supplemental water is only necessary when the soil has dried out. Although ‘Turk’s Cap’ is drought-tolerant, a regular watering schedule will encourage more blooms and a more attractive form. This plant must not be over-watered, and excellent soil drainage is essential. ‘Turk’s Cap’ will thrive in partial shade, but if located in full shade, the plant will tend to stretch in an attempt to reach more light. In this case, the plant may need staking.

Fertilize:

More attractive growth and blooms may result from the application of a balanced 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer. This should be applied in mid-summer, making sure to follow the directions on the product label.

Prune:

If cut back by a third in early spring, ‘Turk’s Cap’ will rapidly re-grow into a more attractive, mounding form. Dead or damaged stems should be removed regularly, and the plant may need occasional trimming to maintain its shape.

Pests & Disease:

‘Turk’s Cap’ is relatively pest and disease-free when healthy. Fungal diseases are preventable by monitoring the application of water and making sure the soil dries completely between each watering. During periods of drought or stress, spider mites may attack. These can be treated with a spray of insecticidal soap, making sure to follow the product label directions.

Attracts: