Turk's Cap

Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii

Turk's Cap is a large perennial flowering shrub that likes part shade. It is a native shrub of both Texas and Mexico. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and moths. It has a woody or semi-woody base and many stems, with leaves that are soft and velvety on the underside. It is usually 2 to 4 feet tall but may reach 8 to 9 feet in the sun; it will get about as wide as it is tall.

Turk's Cap flowers are generally red but they also come in white and pink. They bloom from May to November with flowers appearing every day in the warm weather. Turk's Cap prefers well-drained fertile soil but will adapt to a wide range of soils, locations and moisture levels. It thrives in both alkaline and acid settings, in semi-shade or full sun, and can be quite drought tolerant. If kept cut back, Turk's Cap can be used as a tall groundcover.

In spring, stems with heart-shaped leaves emerge from the base.  Turk’s Cap starts to bloom in late spring and continues until frost.  The name “Turk’s Cap” comes from the bright red flowers that resemble a Turkish fez.  The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.  In the fall, Turk’s Cap produces little pumpkin-shaped red seed pods that contain a number of viable seed, eaten by a variety of birds.  In our area, Turk’s Cap dies completely to the ground with the first freeze and remains dormant until the spring.

This plant likes well-drained soil and will grow best in soil that has been amended with organic matter like compost.  Allow 3-5 feet between plants.  After planting, water well and mulch.  The plant will spread slowly –its roots spread horizontally – and can be dug up and divided after several years. Do not over water or it may rot.

This is an interesting and beautiful ornamental plant for a shade garden.  It blooms all summer and into the fall.  In very shady spots it can work as a ground cover.  Turk’s Cap is a hummingbird magnet.  Consider using Turk’s Cap in areas where you might plant azaleas or other shrubs.  Remember that Turk’s Cap needs much less soil preparation than azaleas do.

Wildlife Use: Nectar-hummingbirds, Nectar-butterflies, Nectar-moths, Nectar-insects, Fruit-birds, Fruit-mammals
Food Use: The fruit is edible either raw or cooked.
Attracts: Birds , Hummingbirds , Butterflies