This sun-loving dwarf shrub blooms from spring to fall, or year-round in warm climates.
Cape mallow, which resembles a delicate, miniaturehibiscus, is a profusely blooming shrub native to South Africa.
The flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Cape mallows are occasionally sold as patio trees with a long single stem or narrow trunk.
Where to Plant Cape Mallow
Select a location in full sun.
Add it to a pollinator garden with native plants or a border to attract bees and butterflies.
Because the plant is drought-tolerant, it makes a great landscape plant for dry climates.
For a potted patio tree, find a sheltered location away from strong winds.
How and When to Plant Cape Mallow
Plant cape mallow in the spring.
Dig a hole at least twice the size of the root ball and just as deep.
Tamp down the soil and water it well.
Keep the soil moist and water it regularly during the first growing season to encourage a strong root system.
Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart.
Fasten the trunk to the stake at several points with garden twine or green plastic tie tape.
Check the ties periodically and loosen them as needed to accommodate growth.
Light
The best location for cape mallow is infull sun.
Morning sun is preferable.
In hot climates, some afternoon shade is acceptable.
Soil and Water
Cape mallow does not have any particular soil requirements but good drainage is key.
In their native habitat, they grow in sandy soil.
ThepHshould be between 6.0 and 8.0.
Water young plants regularly for 6 to 8 weeks after planting to encourage them to develop strong root systems.
Reduce watering after the root systems are established.
If there is an extended dry period, water the plants slowly but deeply.
Unlike cape mallow in garden soil, container-grown plants need frequent and regular watering.
Temperature and Humidity
Cape mallow is a plant for warm climates.
A light frost will cause its leaves to drop but it usually recovers in the spring.
The plant is not winter-hardy belowZone 9.
Fertilizer
Despite their profuse bloom, cape mallow usually does not need repeated fertilization.
Pruning
In the spring, remove any damaged or dead branches.
Once it starts blooming, no deadheading is required because the spent flowers drop on their own.
Cape mallow is a self-cleaning plant.
A single-stem patio tree requires regular pruning to maintain the rounded, bushy top growth.
Snip away wayward stems and long growth to maintain the desired size and shape.
Do not shear the plant, which often prevents the formation of flower buds.
Potting and Repotting Cape Mallow
Small varieties of cape mallow are very well suited for container planting.
Fill the container with well-draining potting mix.
Keep in mind that container plants need more frequent watering and fertilizer than inground plants.
When grown as an annual, cape mallow wont require repotting during its single growing season.
Pests and Problems
Cape mallow is rarely affected by serious pests or diseases.
The plant may attract aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and Japanese beetles.
If that does not apply to your plant, you canpropagate it by stem cuttings.
In the spring or early summer, take a 4- to 6-inch cutting and remove the bottom leaves.
Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone.
Fill a 4-inch pot with damp potting mix and insert the cutting in the mix.
Keep the soil evenly moist at all times.
The leaves are dark green and aromatic.
Slightly Strawberry
The flowers on this cultivar ofAnisodontea capensisare pink with deep red veins.
The plant reaches 4 to 6 feet in height.
It has pink flowers with a darker red-pink center and a larger, more lush foliage than other varieties.
It grows up 6 feet tall and 4 wide.
It does not take a location with full sun all day to grow asters.
Woodland asters only need morning sun and tolerate part shade.
Zone 3-9
Bee Balm
This summer-blooming perennial is a sure bet for bringing pollinators to the garden.
There are many different types ofbee balmand new cultivars hit the market just about every year.
Bee balms are vigorous plants.
In small garden controls, some varieties outcompete less aggressive neighbors.
To limit their spread, simply divide them or dig up and discard unwanted growth.
Zone 3-11
Goldenrod
Goldenrodbegins displaying its yellow blossoms beginning in late summer and continuing into fall.
Move the plant back outdoors after all danger of frost has passed in the spring.
Mirembe has bi-colored pink blooms and a dense, compact growth habit.
