John Rickard
Family
Malvaceae
Botanical Name
ANISODONTEA 'Tara's Pink'
Plant Common Name
Hybrid Cape Mallow, Tara's Pink Hybrid Cape Mallow
General Description
Overall, the hybrid Anisodontea ‘Tara’s Pink’ is larger and bushier than most, and its pink flowers are larger than those of the two most commonly cultivated species, Anisodontea capensis or Anisodontea x hypomadarum.
Cape mallow is an evergreen hybrid shrub with an informal habit. It bears a profusion of 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 clear pink with darker veins.
Plant Cape mallow in full sun and well-drained soil. Head 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
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 12
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Sunset Zone
14, 15, 16, 17, 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
6'-8' / 1.8m - 2.4m
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Width
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
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
Light Pink, Magenta
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Flower Color Modifier
Striped
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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, Tan
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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
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No