| |
|
|
|
|
Member Pages |
Since moving to Florida, I've come to associate this robust tender evergreen shrub with the Christmas season. Although Turk's cap blooms off and on throughout the year, it always seems to look its best in early winter when its brilliantly bright red flowers are most appreciated. Displayed against rich green leaves, the flowers resemble wilted hibiscus buds hanging from the bush. But these buds never open! The entire plant resembles the hibiscus to which it is closely related. The 2 in (5 cm) long tubular flowers appear to be constructed of crimson crepe paper that nods against the rich green foliage. The large oval leaves are about 8 in (20.3 cm) long. This shrub can grow to 10 ft (3 m) in height. The plant often becomes vinelike when grown in shady situations, sending out long stems that clamber over and up adjacent trees and bushes.
Malvaviscus arboreus is a very variable species that includes varieties, subspecies and forms that were formerly considered distinct species. Whereas some Turk's caps have large oval leaves, others have lobed leaves or leaves that are nearly round. Some are hairy; others glabrous. Some have elongated, drooping flowers with 2 in (5 cm) petals, and others have shorter, rounded, semi-erect flowers with 1 in (2.5 cm) petals. Some names previously used for this polymorphic species are Malvaviscus penduliflorus, M. conzatti, M. mexicanus, M. drummondii, M. grandiflorus and M. mollis.
Location
Culture
Use Turk's Cap in mixed borders and in hedges (tolerant of clipping). It is virtually pestfree and easy to care for. Use as a lawn highlight. This was a very popular plant in the 50's and 60's when it was used in foundation and yard plantings throughout Florida. I guess everyone tired of it because it is rarely seen in newer landscape designs.
Features Jack Scheper 11/26/98; updated 12/09/01, 08/07/03, 10/28/03, 03/22/07
|
NEW at Floridata
Plant Profiles:
Articles: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Get link
