Turk’s Cap, Wax Mallow

Malvaviscus arboreus Cav.

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Explanation of name:  Malvaviscus means sticky mallow, in reference to the seeds (HUX).  Arboreus means treelike.

Natural range:  Mexico to South America (HUX)

Recognition: Resembles a red hibiscus but the flowers remain closed.

Landscape uses: Long popular in Florida as a drought-tolerant showy red-flowered shrub resembling a Hibiscus. Hard-prune at the beginning of the growing season to promote bushiness and flowering, and to counter a tendency toward lankiness.  Well watered when flowering, “just moist” when not. (HUX)