Mostly Texas Natives Nursery -- Turk's Cap

Malvaviscus drummondii
(M. arboreus var. drummondii)

Turk's Cap

Turk's dark green leaves and red, whorled flowers are attractive to people and hummingbirds. Useful in shady areas where other plants won't grow, but part sun is OK, too. Long stems rise from the base of the plant, spreading to 4 feet tall and wide in North Texas. Leaves are rough-looking; not everyone finds them attractive. The plant dies back in winter; just cut off the stems, and the plant returns to full growth each summer. It blooms from May to frost, though best blooms are during late summer and early fall.  Its leaves have been used as an emmolient, and in Mexico the flowers are used  to treat inflammation of the digestive tract and as a menstrual aid. -- Rick R.

3-4'  tall x 3-4' wide        Sun/PS/shade        Zone 7         native           hummingbirds