The vibrant and tropical African mallow shrub (Hibiscus acetosella) can bring an exotic flair to any outdoor space. With its lush purple foliage and bright red hibiscus-like blooms, this plant is gaining popularity with gardeners looking to add visual interest to their yards. Growing the African mallow shrub outdoors does require some care and preparation but is absolutely worthwhile for the beauty it provides.
An Overview of the African Mallow Shrub
Native to tropical regions of Africa, the African mallow is a hardy perennial shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide at maturity. It features deeply lobed, maple-shaped leaves that emerge with a striking deep purple or burgundy color, later fading to green. From midsummer to early fall, large red flowers reminiscent of hibiscus blossoms appear, each up to 6 inches wide. These blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden.
Beyond its ornamental merits, the African mallow shrub has some uses as well. The leaves, flowers, and seed pods are all edible and can be used fresh or dried for tea. The plant also has a long history of medicinal use in its native regions.
Choosing the Right Location
When growing African mallow shrubs outdoors, site selection is key. Here are some tips for picking the optimal location:
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Full sun: African mallows thrive in full sun exposures. Choose a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and flowering.
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Well-draining soil: Good drainage is essential. Select a site with sandy or loamy soil that drains well after watering or rain.
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Shelter from wind: Protect your shrub from strong winds, which can damage branches and desiccate foliage. Sites sheltered by a wall, fence or other plants are ideal.
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Ample space Allow enough room for the shrub to reach its mature size Space plants 3-6 feet apart depending on your layout.
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Frost protection: In colder climates, choose a site protected from frost, such as against a warm wall or beside other plants.
Preparing the Soil
African mallow shrubs need nutrient-rich, well-draining soil to thrive. Here’s how to prepare the site:
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Loosen the existing soil to a depth of 12-15 inches using a spade or garden fork to improve drainage Break up any compacted areas.
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Mix in 2-3 inches of aged compost or rotted manure to enrich the soil with organic matter and nutrients.
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You can also blend in a 2-3 inch layer of sand or perlite if the native soil is heavy clay. This further improves drainage.
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Test the soil pH, aiming for a slightly acidic range of 5.5-6.5. African mallows will tolerate neutral soil but prefer slight acidity.
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Work any needed amendments like lime or sulfur into the soil 2-3 weeks before planting.
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Rake the prepared bed smooth shortly before planting your African mallow shrub.
When to Plant
Spring is the best time to plant African mallow shrubs in most regions. This gives them the whole growing season to establish before cold weather arrives. Some guidelines:
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Wait until after the last expected frost date in spring before planting outdoors.
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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks beforehand for transplanting outside later.
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Or purchase container-grown plants that can be moved out once the danger of frost has passed.
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In warm climates, fall planting is also an option. Allow at least 8 weeks before a frost for establishment.
How to Plant African Mallow Shrubs
Once you have your plants and your soil is prepared, follow these steps for planting:
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Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your plant.
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Carefully remove it from the container, loosen any compacted roots, and place it in the hole. The top of the root ball should sit level with the ground.
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Backfill soil around the plant, tamping it down gently to remove air pockets.
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Create a shallow ring or moat around the outer edge to help retain water.
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Water thoroughly after planting to saturate the root zone.
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Finally, spread 2-3 inches of mulch around each shrub to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Caring for African Mallow Shrubs
Proper care throughout the seasons is vital for your African mallow shrubs to thrive. Follow these tips:
Watering
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Water deeply twice a week during the first season to establish an extensive root system.
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After establishment, water weekly if there is less than 1 inch of rain, aiming to moisten soil to a depth of 6 inches.
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Increase frequency during summer heat. Soil should never be allowed to dry out completely.
Fertilizing
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Fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced 10-10-10 formula. Follow product directions for amount.
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Discontinue fertilizing by late summer. Excess nitrogen can inhibit flowering and increase frost damage risk.
Pruning
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Prune lightly in late winter to shape plants and remove any dead wood or storm damage.
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Prune lightly after flowering as well to keep growth tidy. Avoid heavy pruning that removes too much foliage.
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Remove suckers that sprout from the base to keep plants full on top.
Pest/Disease Prevention
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Inspect plants regularly and remove any diseased or insect-damaged foliage promptly.
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Treat aphid or whitefly infestations early with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays before they spread.
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Powdery mildew and leaf spot may occur. Use organic fungicides if needed. Improve air circulation around plants.
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Ensure adequate winter drainage to prevent root rot in cool climates.
Propagating African Mallow Shrubs
Expanding your African mallow collection is easy through propagation:
Seed
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Allow a few spent flower heads to dry on the plant until seeds form. Or collect fresh seeds from seed pods.
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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Soak seeds 24 hours before planting.
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Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep, keep warm (70-75°F) and moist. Germination takes 7-14 days.
Stem Cuttings
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Take 6 inch tip cuttings from new growth in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves.
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Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to hasten root formation.
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Insert into pots filled with perlite/peat or sand. Keep warm and moist, out of direct sun.
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New roots should develop within 4-6 weeks. Transplant to garden after hardening off.
Overwintering African Mallow Shrubs
African mallow shrubs are winter hardy into zone 8, but will require some protection from frost and freezing in colder climates. Here are a few overwintering tips:
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Mulch heavily around the base of plants, mounding the mulch 8-12 inches high to insulate the roots.
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Once hard frosts begin, cover shrubs with burlap, frost cloth, or cardboard boxes at night. Remove any covers during daytime.
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Avoid pruning late in the season. Leave stems and foliage intact to help insulate plants.
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Water before the ground freezes but avoid overwatering. Excess winter moisture invites root rot.
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In very cold regions, dig up plants and store them dormant over winter in a cool garage or basement. Replant outside in spring after danger of frost has passed.
Troubleshooting Problems
Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
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Yellow leaves: This often indicates overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Improve drainage if needed.
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Leaf spot/mildew: Increase air circulation around plants. Remove affected leaves promptly. Use organic fungicides if severe.
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Aphids: These small sucking insects cause distorted growth and spread disease. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays before infestations get large.
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Failure to bloom: Too much shade/nitrogen or pruning at the wrong time can inhibit flowering. Be sure plants get ample sun and fertilize correctly.
Enjoying Your African Mallow Shrubs
Growing African mallow shrubs organically outdoors provides seasons of easy, low-maintenance enjoyment:
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Admire the unique purple tinted foliage, which looks especially striking paired with flowers in yellow, pink or white.
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Watch for hummingbirds drawn to the nectar-rich crimson blooms in summer.
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Enjoy adorable rose-breasted grosbeaks feasting on the large seeds each fall.
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Harvest leaves as they re-green for use fresh or dried for tea. Remove flowers to dry for culinary and medicinal use as well.
With proper planting and care, the tropical
Derivation of name and historical aspects
The name Anisodontea comes from the Greek aniso, referring to the leaves which are unevenly toothed. The species name scabrosa is derived from the Latin scaber, meaning rough to the touch, as felt in the harshly hairy leaves. The family Malvaceae has many important commercial agricultural crops including cotton (Gossypium), cacao and kenaf (stokroos in Afrikaans) which is cultivated for its fiber in many countries including South Africa. Well known garden shrubs such as Hibiscus and Abutilon are included in the family.
There are 21 species of Anisodontea in South Africa, predominantly in the karoo and fynbos.
Anisodontea scabrosa is sticky and smells of tar – for these reasons it is said to be unpalatable to grazing animals and preying insects (W.P.U Jackson, 1980). Honey bees and carpenter bees frequent the flowers.
Use as a decorative garden plant. It is a rewarding shrub for the home garden with year round blossoms. Plants respond well to pruning and long shoots can be trained into standards or topiary. Very suitable for growing as a pot plant and they can be used as bonsai specimens.
Excellent for the indigenous garden, Anisodontea scabrosa can form a delightful informal hedge in a cottage-style garden with its showy pink flowers and fresh green foliage. In a more formal setting they can be clipped to shape.
Grow from either seed sown in autumn; or tip and stem cuttings taken in spring and summer once the new shoots have become semi-hard. Use a well drained sandy soil medium. Transplant young plants before the new seasons growth; they do not handle too much disturbance at a later stage.
As in the wild, it should be grown in a well drained, warm, sunny spot with free air flow. They do not favour humid climates with hot wet summers. Should the plants not be well aired, white-fly may become a possible pest.
They tolerate light shade, but flower better in full sun. Feed with a slow release 3.1.5 for vigorous growth and water regularly throughout summer to promote abundant flowering. Being frost tolerant they are able to grow away from the coast.
- Bean, A. & Johns, A. 2005. Stellenbosch to Hermanus. South African Wild Flower Guide 5. Botanical Society of South Africa, Cape Town.
- Jackson, W.P.U. 1980. Wild Flowers of the Fairest Cape. Howard Timmins Publishers, Cape Town.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvaceae http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenaf
- Leistner, O.A. (ed.). 2000. Seeds plants of southern Africa: families and genera. Strelitzia 10. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.
- Nichols, G. 2008.The mallow thats pretty in pink (Anisodontea scabrosa): the indigenous garden. Farmers Weekly. March 2008.
- Trinder-Smith, T., Maytham Kidd, M. & Anderson, F. 2006. Wild Flowers of the Table Mountain National Park. South African Flower Guide 12. Botanical Society of South Africa, Cape Town.
Plant Type: Shrub
SA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape
Soil type: Sandy, Clay, Loam
Flowering season: Spring, Early Summer, Winter
PH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Flower colour: Purple, Pink
Aspect: Full Sun
Gardening skill: Average
Anisodontea scabrosa (L.) Bates
Family: Malvaceae
Common names: rough-leaf African mallow, sand rose, pink mallow, hairy mallow (Eng.); sandroos, pienk-kiesieblaar, harigemalva (Afr.)
Who can resist a bright cheerful shrub that flowers throughout the year? This mallow is ideally suited for home gardens being able to withstand coastal conditions and frost.
Anisodontea scabrosa is an evergreen perennial shrub of variable size but reaching heights of 2-3m. It has an upright branching habit with partially woody stems.
The aromatic leaves are soft with prominent veins, stiff hairs and are often sticky. The leaves are variable in shape mostly 3 lobed or elliptic and toothed; 20 – 70mm long.
Open, hibiscus-like blooms are light to dark pink 20 – 25mm in diameter; flowering all year but mostly during spring and early summer (September to December).
The fruit is 9-15 chambered, dry and dehiscent (opens spontaneously when ripe) producing small black seeds.
Anisodontea scabrosa has a wide distribution and is commonly found. Its status is therefore considered Least Concern.
Indigenous to South Africas winter rainfall areas, they are found widely distributed in sunny, sheltered, bushy places along the coast from Saldanha Bay, around the Cape Peninsula up to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Anisodontea scabrosa grows in diverse soils, often in disturbed ground but chiefly on coastal sands at low altitudes. They are hardy plants able to withstand frost.
Anisodontea – Cape Mallow care – Abundant flowers for every season!
Can African Mallow be grown outdoors?
African mallow can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here . The seeds of African mallow can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.
How do you grow African Mallow?
Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates. African mallow grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant. African mallow can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here . The seeds of African mallow can be used to grow new plants!
Is tree mallow a good plant?
This lovely South African native has been a regional favorite for over a century. It is gaining popularity worldwide for its easy care, and continuous display of blooms through the growing season. The flowers look like miniature versions of Tree Mallow. A very charming plant and an excellent choice for growing in a container.
Can Cape Mallow grow in shade?
Get personalized care for every one of your plants! Cape Mallow is an easy to grow upright evergreen subshrub that blooms profusely from spring until frost or all year long in southern temperate climates. Cape Mallows prefer morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon.