Cape Mallow

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 2-4 feet
Spread: 2-3 feet
Flower Color: pink-light purple
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Description:

Cape Mallow, native to South Africa, is a semi-evergreen shrub that's particularly noted for its long blooming season and vibrant flowers. It's a member of the Malvaceae family, which includes other well-known flowering plants like hibiscus and hollyhocks.

The flowers of Cape Mallow are its standout feature. They are relatively small but abundant, with five petals and often a deeper colored center or eye. These blooms appear almost year-round in suitable climates, providing a consistent splash of color in the garden. The plant's leaves are green, heart-shaped, and slightly hairy, adding a lush, textured backdrop to the flowers.

In landscaping, Cape Mallow is a versatile plant. It can be used in a variety of settings, including mixed borders, container gardens, and as an informal hedge. Its continuous flowering makes it a valuable plant for adding long-term color to the landscape. It's also popular in pollinator gardens, as its flowers attract bees and butterflies.

Cape Mallow is known for its resilience and low maintenance requirements. It thrives in well-drained soil and, once established, is quite drought-tolerant. Regular pruning can encourage a denser growth habit and more prolific flowering. In colder climates, it may need protection in winter or can be grown as an annual.

This plant's combination of beauty, ease of care, and long flowering season makes it a favorite among gardeners, particularly those in warm, temperate climates. Whether used as a focal point or as part of a mixed planting, Cape Mallow adds a charming and colorful presence to any garden setting.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Cape Mallow

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Cape Mallow is a shrub that typically does not require staking but benefits from occasional pruning to maintain a tidy form

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Cape Mallow is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure the water reaches the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even water distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days to ensure the plant stays hydrated during high heat. In winter, reduce watering to every 3-4 weeks or adjust based on rainfall