Turk’s Cap Mallow
These “Old Florida” flowering shrubs bring the hummingbirds
Turk’s cap mallow is a Florida-Friendly shrub related to hibiscus. Well, actually “Turk’s cap mallow” is the common name used for two different hibiscus relatives. Both Malvaviscus penduliflorus and Malvaviscus arboreus sport lovely flowers, usually red, that perpetually appear as if they’re just about to open fully, but never do.
Characteristics
A staple of “Old Florida” landscapes, Turk’s cap will add a cheerful pop of color at a time when many summer-flowering plants have fizzled out and cooler-season plants haven’t yet peaked.
Turk’s cap mallow species reach up to 10 feet tall and wide — with a fast growth rate — so be sure when selecting a site that you give them space to grow. Hardy in zones 9-11, these shrubs can also be grown in zone 8; they will typically freeze to the ground, but return in spring.
The flowers of these shrubs are a favorite of hummingbirds; they start blooming at the beginning of the summer and continue until the first frost. The flowers grow in a tight “whorl,” with long stamens reaching beyond the petals. The most common color is red, although pink and white cultivars exist for both species.
Planting and Care
Plant your Turk’s cap mallow in well-draining soil that receives partial shade. Keep pruned as a feature in the landscape or give it room to grow as a mass planting. These easy-care shrubs require little maintenance and are drought tolerant once established. They have no serious pest concerns and grow well without irrigation or fertilizer. A springtime pruning that removes half of the previous year’s growth can help keep your plants healthy and looking great.
A Tale of Two Turk’s Caps
Like hibiscus, these shrubs are members of the Malvaceae (mallow) family, which also includes okra and cotton. Both Malvaviscus penduliflorus and Malvaviscus arboreus can be grown throughout Florida.
Most commonly, when Florida gardeners are talking about Turk’s cap mallow, they mean M. penduliflorus. Also referred to as sleeping hibiscus, this plant is distinguishable by its downward-pointing, pendant flowers that are about 2.5 inches long. Turk’s cap mallow is common in Florida, but it’s thought to originate from Central or Southern Mexico. Popular as a passalong plant and beloved by hummingbirds, this vigorous shrub is drought tolerant once established, but is not salt tolerant.
When discussing Malvaviscus arboreus, the name “wax mallow” is often used in Florida, where the variety M. arboreus var. drummondii grows best. The species name arboreus refers to its tree-like appearance when fully grown. M. arboreus grows in zones 7a to 10b, and is native to Texas, Mexico and Central America, as well as parts of South America and the West Indies.
One easy-to-spot characteristic that sets wax mallow apart is that flowers of this plant grow upright to slightly lax, resembling a “Turk’s cap.” Additionally, the flowers are about half the length of M. penduliflorus, measuring 1.25 inches long. These shrubs will spread and form groups of plants (colony-forming) that can be divided and replanted or shared. The foliage is green and heart-shaped, with small hairs on the underside. In the fall after flowering, red fruits appear and attract birds. In comparison, M. penduliflorus is non-colonial, has hairless leaves and rarely produces fruit.
Consider wax mallow for your pollinator garden, since it attracts butterflies and is an important food source for ruby-throated hummingbirds. Wax mallow prefers more shade than M. penduliflorus and does best in moist, well-drained soils, but will tolerate drier, sunnier conditions with a little more attention. Some gardeners report it to be deer resistant and moderately salt tolerant.
As Florida-Friendly plants, both Turk’s cap mallow shrubs are great option for our climate and soils. Sleepy or upright, their interesting flowers and low maintenance make them appealing for anyone looking for more reward with less work.
Also on Gardening Solutions
- Gardening for Butterflies
- Hummingbird Gardens
- More shrubs on Gardening Solutions
- Passalong Plants
- Planting and Establishing Shrubs
More from UF/IFAS
- Wake-up call for sleeping hibiscus– UF/IFAS Blogs Charlotte County
- What is “Old Florida”? Preserving Old Florida: Research From the UF School of Landscape Architecture and Planning Featured in Florida Planning