The whorled flowers of Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii) are a favorite of hummingbirds.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Finding a plant that attracts hummingbirds, blooms until frost, and grows well in shade can be challenging. Turk’s Cap, Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii, fits that bill.
Turk’s Cap is native to the Americas, including Texas and Mexico, and east to the Carolinas, according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. As a member of the Mallow family, it is related to hibiscus, cotton, and okra.
It goes by many names, such as Sleeping Hibiscus, Mexican Apple, Wax Mallow, Scotchman’s Purse, Ladies Eardrop, and Turk’s Turban. Most of these names refer to the unique flowers. They look like a hibiscus flower that is just about to open but never does.
Flowering begins in mid-summer and continues nonstop until frost. The most common flower color is red. There are cultivars available that bloom pink or white that are harder to find. After flowering, round, half-inch berries are produced that birds eat, hence the common name Mexican Apple.
Turk’s Cap has a shrub-like habit and generally grows to 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. In my upstate garden, the cultivar ‘Big Momma’ grows more upright and has reached 6 feet tall.
Mexican Apple is another common name for Turk’s Cap, which refers to the bright red berries.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2023 HGIC, Clemson University
Turk’s Cap is cold hardy in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10. In USDA hardiness zones 7 and 8, it will go completely dormant in winter, like any other perennial, and emerge again in spring. Along the coast, in warmer zones, it can remain evergreen throughout winter.
Plant Turk’s Cap in a location that receives part sun to shade. The soil can be lightly amended and well-drained. Cut the stems down to 6 inches above the ground in late winter before spring growth begins. It can be pruned during the growing season to maintain a lower height. Once established, it is drought tolerant.
Turk’s Cap growing along a woodland path at Crooked Trail Farm.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2023 HGIC, Clemson University
There are even more advantages to growing Turk’s Cap. Deer seldom eat the plants. Turk’s Cap is salt tolerant in gardens along the coast. It can be grown in containers, so you can enjoy watching hummingbirds visit it on the patio.
For more information on native plants, see HGIC 1852, An Introduction to Native Plants for SC Landscapes.
