Photo of Malaviscus arboreus var. drummondii flower, foliage by Forest & Kim Starr

Photo by Forest & Kim Starr

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Malaviscus arboreus var. drummondii

Also Known As

  • Malvaviscus arboreus
  • Ladies' Eardrops
  • Lipstick Hibiscus
  • Scotchman's Purse
  • Turk's Cap
  • Turk's Turban
  • Turkcap
  • Wax Mallow
  • Wild Fuchsia

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

  • H: 12'-16'
  • W: 8'-12'

planting zones

  • 7b-11

More Options

Malaviscus arboreus var. drummondii plant details

Malaviscus arboreus var. drummondii is a broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial shrub with green foliage. In summer red flowers emerge. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Malaviscus arboreus var. drummondii

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: malvaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 8 FT - 12 FT - wide, 12 FT - 16 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in summer
Uses: tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Malaviscus arboreus var. drummondii

USDA Zones: 7b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat, humidity and seaside / salt
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A multitude of upward facing, sleepy, scarlet blooms are held above the soft, dark green foliage from late spring to frost. A hardy and long-lived, spreading to upright perennial, Turk's Cap is an easy to grow heirloom that will flower in sun or light shade. An excellent nectar plant for hummingbirds as well as butterflies, especially the yellow Sulphurs. Resistant to browsing by deer and moderately drought resistant once well-established. The ripe fruits are readily consumed by birds and other wildlife, along with the occasional curious human.
In Hibiscus-like fashion, beak-like pistils pokeout of tightly furled bright scarlet petals. Large, bright, light green leaves make a stunning contrast that, together with the bright flowers makes the most buoyant garden ingredient. It's native to the SE US, Mexico, Central America and South America, and butterflies and hummingbirds find it alluring. 12 - 16' T x 8 - 12' W, the specific epithet, arboreus, means tree. It can bloom freely all year given advantageous circumstances. Minimum temperature: 10 °F

Gardening facts about Malaviscus arboreus var. drummondii plant

How to Grow Malaviscus arboreus var. drummondii

  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • seaside / salt tolerant

Features

  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • semi-evergreen
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Flower Color

    • red
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