Turk's-cap
Malvaviscus arboreus
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Malvaviscus arboreus, affectionately known as Turk's cap, has charmed gardeners for generations with vibrant, coiled blooms that never quite open, each red flower staying furled like a little turban, which is exactly how the plant earned its name. A close cousin of the hibiscus in the mallow family, Malvaceae, this tough, subtropical shrub carries a story as rich as the scarlet flowers, and two more common names besides: wax mallow and sleeping hibiscus.
Turk's cap is native to the warm country of Mexico, Central America, and the Gulf Coast of the southern United States, where the shrub grows as a shady understory plant along forest edges, open woods, and riverbanks. Gardeners have cherished the plant for centuries, not only for beauty but for the steady support the flowers give to pollinators and wildlife through a long season.
The bright red flowers, two to three inches long, keep that elegant swirled form from late spring clear through fall, and often into winter where frost stays away. Hummingbirds find them irresistible, a vital late-season fuel for ruby-throated and black-chinned hummingbirds alike, and butterflies work them too. Small red fruits follow, like tiny apples, mildly sweet and edible, relished by finches, mockingbirds, and other birds, and the flowers themselves are edible as well.
In frost-free regions Turk's cap stands as a dense evergreen shrub; from about zone 8 the top dies down in winter and the plant returns with vigor from the root each spring. To carry a plant through a hard winter at the cold edge of the range, cut the top back in late fall and mound sand and mulch over the crown, removing it in spring. Heat and drought hold no terror for this shrub, and unusually for such a free bloomer, Turk's cap flowers well even in shade.
Give Turk's cap rich soil, ample water, and a hot, sunny to partly shaded spot, and the shrub becomes a centerpiece of the summer garden, four to six feet of continuous bloom in beds, borders, or an informal hedge. Whether grown for the botanical curiosity of those furled flowers, the parade of hummingbirds, or the easy, drought-proof toughness, Malvaviscus arboreus earns a place in any warm-climate garden.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–11
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, Sandy, Loam, Clay
- Mature size
- Height 4–6 Feet · Spread 4–6 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Dies back, depends on zone
Coiled, never-opening red flowers, late spring through fall; small red edible fruit follows
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.