 |
Turk's Cap or Texas Wax Mallow
(Malvaviscus arboreus var. Drummondii)
This has to be one of the finest varieties in this species. It was very
common in old Texas gardens. The popularity as a garden flower can be
traced from the gulf coast of Mexico to Florida.
Although
this species of Turk's Cap is more compact in its growth and bears smaller
flowers and foliage than Malvaviscus arboreus (Giand Turk's Cap) it
can on occasion become as impressive in size. Turk's Cap can grow in
alkaline or acid soils and is well adapted to sun or partial shade.
It is a deciduous perennial shrub height 5'-8', spread 5'-8', zones
7-11. Propagation is by cutting, transplants, or seed (usually spread
by the birds, which are attracted by the red seed head).
I
grow my Turk's Cap in the two corner flowerbeds located in by back yard.
In winter I prune back the long growing canes 6-8 inches above the ground.
The new canes or limbs form in early spring. As spring is followed by
summer the showy red blooms start to appear just in time for the hummingbirds.
Red tomato-like fruits that are edible and fairly tasty (or so I have
heard) follow the blooms.
This plant likes moist soil, but once established it is fairly drought
tolerant. There is no other plant that can give so much color in such
shady areas.
There are also white blooming forms of Turk's Cap and a rare variegated
leaf form that blooms red. I have never noticed any insect damage that
has amounted to anything. However, I did notice some powdery mildew
this year from all the late spring rains. This plant is a keeper but
it is also a plant that just keeps on going -- like that pink bunny!