White Turk's-cap

Malvaviscus drummondii alba

$20.00 Sold out

| Hardiness Zones 8-11

A white-flowered form of the normally red-flowered Malvaviscus drummondii (which see) that was given to us by Greg Grant of the Stephen F. Austin Arboretum in Nacogodoches, TX. This Hibiscus relative is native to the Gulf Coast states and southward but widely grown elsewhere. The Small Turk's Cap is a shrubby plant with flowers less than two inches long but flowering over a long period during the hot months. In most of the South it is basically a perennial but it is more shrubby in the warmer sections. It is more cold hardy than the Large Turkscap (Malvaviscus arboreus) and sometimes self-seeds from the small white to red applelike fruits. Plant in a sunny bed or border with well-drained soil.

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 8 - 11
  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained, Sandy, Loam, Basic Soils, and Cool
  • Height at Maturity: 3 - 6 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 3 - 4 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Dies back, depends on zone

Flower/Foliage

Flower Description:

  • Type and Shape: Unique, tightly coiled, hibiscus-like flowers that resemble a turban, characteristic of the Turk’s Cap name.
  • Size: Flowers measure about 1.5–2 inches long.
  • Color: Pure white, offering a delicate and elegant contrast to the green foliage.
  • Fragrance: Generally not fragrant but visually striking and highly attractive to pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies.
  • Bloom Time: Blooms profusely from late spring through fall and may continue into early winter in frost-free climates.
  • Arrangement: Flowers emerge singly in leaf axils, standing out against the dense greenery.

Fruit Description:

  • Type: Small, fleshy, berry-like fruit.
  • Size: Approximately 0.5–1 inch in diameter.
  • Color: Starts green, ripening to a bright red or orange-red.
  • Season: Fruits develop after flowering, typically ripening in late summer through fall.
  • Wildlife Value: The fruits are enjoyed by birds such as cardinals and finches, adding an ecological benefit to this ornamental plant.

Foliage Description:

  • Type: Deciduous to semi-evergreen, depending on the climate.
  • Shape: Leaves are heart-shaped to ovate with a slightly serrated margin, measuring 3–5 inches long and 2–4 inches wide.
  • Color: Medium to dark green, providing a lush, tropical backdrop for the bright white flowers.
  • Texture: Smooth and slightly velvety, contributing to the plant’s soft visual appeal.
  • Growth Habit: The foliage forms a dense, bushy shrub with a rounded, spreading habit that offers excellent coverage.

Overall Aesthetic Appeal:

The delicate white flowers of Malvaviscus drummondii ‘Alba’ bring a touch of elegance to any garden, beautifully complemented by its lush green foliage. The vibrant red fruits provide seasonal interest and attract wildlife, while its dense growth habit makes it a versatile and attractive plant for borders, naturalized areas, or pollinator gardens. This plant’s unique floral shape and subtle beauty set it apart in the landscape.

white - summer

Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Overview:
Malvaviscus drummondii ‘Alba,’ commonly known as White Turk’s Cap, is a stunning variation of the classic Drummond’s Turk’s Cap, featuring pristine white flowers instead of the traditional red. This perennial shrub is native to the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico and is beloved for its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions while providing beauty and ecological value. Its flowers are a magnet for pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds, and its dense growth provides excellent ground coverage.

Light Requirements:

  • Partial Shade to Full Sun: Thrives in partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but can tolerate full sun with sufficient water. Partial shade ensures lush growth and optimal flowering.

Soil Requirements:

  • Soil Type: Prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
  • pH Preference: Neutral to slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–7.5).
  • Moisture: Requires consistently moist soil for best growth but is moderately drought-tolerant once established.

Watering:

  • Frequency: Water deeply during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
  • Drought Tolerance: High, though flowering improves with regular watering during dry spells.

Fertilization:

  • Frequency: Fertilize once in early spring and optionally in midsummer.
  • Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to encourage growth and flowering.

Pruning:

  • Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and shape the plant.
  • Technique: Light pruning encourages compact growth and promotes more blooms.

Temperature and Hardiness:

  • USDA Zones: Hardy in zones 8–11.
  • Temperature: Can tolerate light frost but may die back in colder regions, regrowing from the base in spring. In frost-free climates, it remains semi-evergreen to evergreen.

Pests and Diseases:

  • Pests: Rarely troubled by pests but may occasionally attract aphids or whiteflies.
  • Diseases: Disease-resistant, though overly wet conditions can lead to root rot or fungal problems. Ensure proper spacing for air circulation.

Mulching:

  • Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot.

Growth Rate and Maintenance:

  • Growth Rate: Moderate to fast; grows 3–6 feet tall and wide.
  • Maintenance: Low-maintenance; occasional pruning and watering during dry spells are sufficient.

Special Notes:

  • Pollinator Magnet: Its white flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a great addition to pollinator gardens.
  • Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage offers cover for small animals, and the fruits attract birds such as cardinals and finches.
  • Versatile Landscaping: Excellent for use in borders, naturalized areas, or as a low hedge. Its compact size also makes it suitable for smaller gardens.
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Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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