Maureen Gilmer
Family
Malvaceae
Botanical Name
ANISODONTEA capensis
Plant Common Name
Cape African Queen, Cape Mallow
General Description
Cape mallow is an evergreen hybrid shrub with an informal habit. It bears a profusion of small pretty flowers from spring until frost or all year round in warm climates.
Its stems are slender, upright, green or purple and covered with dense hairs. They support fuzzy leaves that are three-lobed, oblong and alternate on the stem. The flowers look a bit like Rose-of-Sharon blooms. They are five-petaled, funnel-shaped and medium to deep red with a dark eye and venation.
Plant Cape mallow in full sun and well-drained soil. Prune it back as needed to produce a bushier plant. It is moderately drought tolerant once established, but looks best with regular water and fertilization; reduce watering in the winter. This mallow is often trained and sold as a tree-like standard.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 9
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Sunset Zone
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
24"-36" / 61.0cm - 91.4cm
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Width
16"-32" / 40.6cm - 81.3cm
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
South Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Pink, Burgundy
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Bark Color
Green, Purple, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes