Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (Turk’s Cap)

Native to the southeastern U.S., Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (Turk’s Cap) is an upright, subshrub to herbaceous perennial bearing a profusion of attractive, bright vermilion-red, hibiscus-like flowers, 2-3 in. long (5-7 cm), with prominent stamens through the summer and into the fall. Borne at the tips of the stems, the twisted flowers never fully open, their petals overlapping to form a tube from which the showy red pistil protrudes. Reminiscent of a Turkish turban (hence their common name), they attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The blossoms give way to marble-size, red berries which are edible either raw or cooked, tasting rather like apples. Birds and small mammals feast on them. The foliage of large, heart-shaped, downy leaves is evergreen in mild winter climates. Elsewhere, it freezes to the ground. Heat and drought-tolerant, Turk’s Cap is a good ornamental for shady gardens, woodlands, or containers.

• Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall and wide (60-150 cm).
• A part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moist, loamy, well-drained soils. Will adapt to a wide range of growing conditions, including full sun, dry soils, and clay soils.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for whiteflies.
• Prune back after a couple of years to make the plant bushier and control its size.
• Propagate by root division, seeds, and softwood cuttings.
• Native to Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas.