Turk’s Cap: Care, Size & Growing Zones
About Turk’s Cap
‘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
Resistances
Tolerances
Turk’s Cap FAQs
How much sun and water does Turk’s Cap need?
Turk’s Cap grows in full sun (6+ hours) to high shade, needs little water and adapts to most soils. It is hardy in USDA zones 7B to 10B.
When should I prune Turk’s Cap?
Cut Turk’s Cap back by about a third in early spring and it will quickly regrow into a fuller, mounding form. Remove dead or damaged stems regularly and trim as needed to keep its shape.
Does Turk’s Cap need fertilizer?
It is not required, but a balanced 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer applied in mid-summer can give more attractive growth and blooms. Always follow the product label.
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