Perennials - Turks Cap
Back to Perennials

  The enclosed leaf and bloom is growing in a bed of 4-o-clocks. Our Mother planted the flower beds over 20 years ago, and she has since passed away. Could you tell us what the plant is and something about it? How do you plant them, from seed, transplant or what? We would also like to know when to plant the 4-o-clock seeds in new beds.

  The plant in question is commonly called Turks Cap, Malvaviscus arboreus. Although a sub-tropical plant, it is considered hardy to zone 8- 9, with deep mulching it can be root hardy. To be on the safe side, harvest seed this fall and plant in the spring. It can also be propagated from cuttings. They are native of Mexico and parts of the southern United States. They are extremely drought tolerant and will grow in full sun to partial shade. The flowers are unusual in that the petals never open up completely, but stay folded together with the stamen protruding from the flower. They are attractive to hummingbirds. It is a zone 8-9 plant, so in years with extreme weather it is knocked back. It usually will sprout back from the root system if it is protected, or come back from seed. There are several varieties, but all of them have the same type of flower.

  The enclosed plant was growing under a pine tree in the yard of the house that we’re living in. We moved here about a year and a half ago. My husband mowed it down, and it came back out, but it died during the winter last year. Then this spring, it came back out. It grows the green leaves for a while, and then red blooms appear. My mother and I would like to know what it is. Thank you.

  The plant in question is Turk's Cap, Malvaviscus arboreus, which is in the mallow family. It is an attractive semi-perennial plant for us. For years I have had people bring in samples of the plant wondering what it is. It is not extremely rare, in fact, this past season it was offered at several nurseries in the central Arkansas area. It is a zone 8-9 plant, so in years with extreme weather it is knocked back. It usually will sprout back from the root system if it is protected, or come back from seed. There are several varieties, but all of them have the same type of flower. They are very attractive to hummingbirds.

  Can you identify this lovely shrub for me? It was in my mother’s yard for many years. I cannot find anyone who has ever seen it before. Mother didn’t know the name of it, she called it a bleeding heart. It grows 30 to 35 inches tall. It blooms in the late summer to early fall with lovely orange-red flowers. I am enclosing a sprig of it, as well as pictures. It is very lovely, and everyone in our garden club is interested in naming it.

  The plant in question is Turk's Cap, Malvaviscus arboreus, which is in the mallow family. It is an attractive semi-perennial plant for us. For years I have had people bring in samples of the plant wondering what it is, and continue to get samples every year. It is not extremely rare, in fact, it can be found at several nurseries in the central Arkansas area. It is considered a zone 8-9 plant, so in years with extreme weather it is knocked back. It usually will sprout back from the root system if it is protected, or come back from seed. There are several varieties, but all of them have the same type of flower. They are very attractive to hummingbirds.

Back to Perennials