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Malvaviscus arboreus (Turk's Cap)

Turk's Cap

Malvaviscus arboreus 'Big Mama'

Big Mama Turk’s Cap is a striking herbaceous perennial that brings a tropical vibe to Texas landscapes. Known for its large, showy red blooms that resemble a partially opened hibiscus flower, 'Big Mama' is a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Thriving in USDA Zones 7 to 10, it performs well across much of Texas, tolerating both heat and humidity. Turks’s Cap is well-adapted to the state’s climate and thrives in part shade to full shade, though it can tolerate morning sun if protected from the harsh afternoon heat. This versatile plant tolerates a variety of soil types, including clay or sandy soils, and prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils.


'Big Mama' grows larger and more vigorously than other Turk’s Cap varieties, reaching a mature height of 4 to 6 feet and spreading 3 to 5 feet wide. It is an excellent choice for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or as an understory plant beneath trees. It also works beautifully as a mass planting, providing a lush, tropical effect with its dark green foliage and continuous summer-to-fall blooms. For best results in grouping, space plants 3 to 4 feet apart. This plant is non-toxic and deer-tolerant, making it ideal for wildlife-friendly and low-maintenance gardens.


When compared to Texas Native, Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii, 'Big Mama' stands out for its larger blooms and more robust growth habit. While both are well-suited to Texas landscapes, 'Big Mama' offers a more dramatic floral display and a slightly larger overall size, making it a bolder choice for focal points or dense plantings.


Winter care for Turk’s Cap 'Big Mama' is straightforward. In most parts of Texas, it will die back to the ground after the first frost but will reliably return in spring. Mulching the base with 2 to 3 inches of organic material helps insulate the roots during colder months and conserve moisture. In frost-free areas, it may remain evergreen and require only minimal cleanup of older foliage in late winter.

Large Red Blooms
Shade Tolerant
Pollinator Friendly

Flower Color:

Fuschia

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Height:

4-6 Feet

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Spread:

3-5 Feet

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Spacing:

3-4 ft


USDA Hardiness Zone 8a

Available Sizes:

Item Description
TUR-CAP-01 #001 TURK'S CAP View Current Crop Photo
TUR-CAP-05 #003 TURK'S CAP View Current Crop Photo

Characteristics & Attributes

Deer Tolerance
Low
Exposure
Full Sun to Part Shade
Habit
Perennial
Soil pH Preference
Alkaline
Acidic
Water Needs
Medium
Texas Native
Yes
Tolerates Poor Drainage
Yes