Also known as Turk's Cap · 39 saves
Malvaviscus
Malvaviscus, the genus most gardeners know as turk's cap. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 2 most-saved Malvaviscus varieties
Browse all 3 Malvaviscus varieties →
2 species of Malvaviscus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Malvaviscus in Sow
Save the Malvaviscus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Malvaviscus
Whats common across all Malvaviscus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Malvaviscus year
- MulchNovember100% of varieties
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch over the root zone to protect the crown from winter freezes.
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Cut dead stems back to ground level in late winter before new spring growth emerges.
- FertilizeApril100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer to stimulate vigorous spring growth.
- HarvestSeptember67% of varieties
Harvest small, apple-like fruits when soft and red
Do
- Cut stems back to ground level in late winter to stimulate fresh, floriferous growth.
- Mulch the root zone heavily in colder zones to protect the crown from severe winter freezes.
- Provide at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily for maximum flower production.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune lightly to shape the plant and remove dead stems
Avoid
- Do not plant in poorly drained sites or low spots where water pools, as wet soils cause root rot.
- Avoid overhead watering in humid, shady conditions to minimize the risk of powdery mildew.
- Do not prune late in the summer, which removes developing flower buds.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Malvaviscus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides accompanied by yellow stippling and leaf drop in hot, dry weather. | Blast the undersides of leaves with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Japanese beetles | Skeletonized foliage and damaged flower buds during mid-summer. | Hand-pick beetles into soapy water or apply an organic insecticide targeting adult beetles. |
| Whiteflies | Tiny white insects fluttering from leaf undersides when disturbed, accompanied by sticky honeydew. | Introduce beneficial predatory insects or spray leaf undersides with horticultural oil. |
| Root rot | Wilting foliage, yellowing leaves, and mushy, blackened roots in waterlogged soil. | Improve soil drainage, reduce watering frequency, and relocate the plant to a well-drained site. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal patches on leaf surfaces, particularly in humid, shady locations. | Increase air circulation around the plant and prune overhanging branches to allow more sunlight. |
Making more Malvaviscus
Softwood cuttings
- Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings from active, non-flowering shoots in late spring.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top two or three leaves.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and insert into a moist, well-draining propagation mix.
- Keep the cutting in high humidity and bright, indirect light until roots establish in 3 to 4 weeks.
seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring for best germination
- Keep soil consistently moist and place in partial sun
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks
Malvaviscus questions
How many types of Malvaviscus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Malvaviscus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 39 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Malvaviscus grow in?
Across its varieties, Malvaviscus covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Malvaviscus bloom?
Most Malvaviscus varieties bloom in summer to fall, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Malvaviscus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.