Anisodontea
( an - iss - oh- DON - tee - uh )
At-A-Glance Information
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This genus of flowering plants is a member of the Mallow family (Malvaceae) and is native to South Africa. Member species typically have toothed leaves with uneven lobes. Flowers are pink to magenta, often with darkened centers. These shrubs thrive in cool, temperate climates, and are commonly used as summer color in mixed beds. Anisodontea species also can do well in mild coastal regions. Use these flowering beauties to add pops of color to borders, grown in containers on patios or walkways, as a hedge, or as integral parts of a Mediterranean-style garden.
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Anisodontea Species and Varietals
The genus name Anisodontea is derived from the Latin word 'aniso' (meaning unequal or uneven), and 'odon' (meaning 'tooth', referring to the irregularly toothed leaves). This genus is part of the Malvaceae family, and includes 21 species. Cape Mallow grows best in zones 14 to 24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Anisodontea capensis (African Mallow, Dwarf Hibiscus, Cape Mallow, False Mallow) This species is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa and is a highly valued garden ornamental plant. It forms an upright, dense subshrub that reaches up to 5 feet tall at maturity, and grows from a woody base. Cold spells may cause plants to lose some leaves. Flowers are fuchsia, mauve, or pink and bloom in late winter through early springtime. |
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Anisodontea elegans (Cape Mallow, African Mallow, Dwarf Pink Hibiscus) This species is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa, and produces five-petaled flowers in summer and fall. It grows from a woody base, and can reach up to between 6 and 8 feet tall at maturity. Width is typically around 4-6 feet. |
Anisodontea hypomadara (African Mallow, Cape Mallow)
This is the most popularly grown species in the genus in California and many Western gardens, and is an evergreen shrub that prefers full sun or light shade. These plants need little to moderate water and hail from South Africa. Butterflies and hummingbirds will frequent this plant in your yard due to its bright, cup-shaped flowers. It grows quickly into a rounded shape about four feet tall and just as wide. Leaves are small and bright green. Flowers bloom profusely in warm weather, year-round in areas with moderate climates. The color of the flowers vary depending on the varietal, though most are dark-veined and dark-eyed in shades of pink.
This is the most popularly grown species in the genus in California and many Western gardens, and is an evergreen shrub that prefers full sun or light shade. These plants need little to moderate water and hail from South Africa. Butterflies and hummingbirds will frequent this plant in your yard due to its bright, cup-shaped flowers. It grows quickly into a rounded shape about four feet tall and just as wide. Leaves are small and bright green. Flowers bloom profusely in warm weather, year-round in areas with moderate climates. The color of the flowers vary depending on the varietal, though most are dark-veined and dark-eyed in shades of pink.
'Slightly Strawberry'
This species is a compact grower, reaching 2-3 feet tall and wide with silvery-green foliage and bright pink flowers. |
'Tara's Wonder'
This hybrid can reach six feet tall and wide, and has narrowly lobed leaves and dark pink flowers that are larger than other varieties. Open growth habit, |
'Tara's Pink'
This plant has a 'bushy' habit and widely lobed leaves. Blossoms are light pink in color. |
caring for and pruning Anisodontea shrubs
The first step in care is to find a correct placement for the shrub in your yard. As mentioned above, these shrubs prefer full sun to light shade, and love well-draining soil. If planted in too shady a spot, they can become leggy and awkward. These plants are great for informal landscapes and pair well with other plants that require similar water and sunlight, such as Jerusalem Sage, Mexican Brush Sage, Sea Lavender, Westringia, and Yarrow. They are winter-hardy, taking temperatures as low as the high teens and low twenties. Cape Mallow can be fed occasionally with a balanced fertilizer, and waterings should be lessened in wintertime to allow the plant to rest during its dormancy. Plants should be dead-headed in late wintertime to encourage more bushy spring growth to push out.
Propagation
The most effective way to propagate a Cape Mallow is through cuttings. Here's how:
When propagating Cape Mallow by seed, keep in mind that the propagated plant may not have the exact characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate Cape Mallow by seed, follow these instructions:
- Prepare your 6- 8 inch deep propagation pot by filling it with sand. Ensure that you have enough width to accommodate your cuttings spaced about 2 inches apart.
- The early spring, when new growth is pushing out, is the best time to harvest cuttings from your mallow plant. Take a few 4-6 inch cuttings from the ends of the branches of young plants in the morning. As you're prepping the rest of your cuttings, keep the ends moist. This can be done by wrapping them in a paper towel and ensuring it stays moist.
- Dip your cuttings in rooting hormone, and then place them in your propagation pot 2 inches apart, about one inch deep, and then place your pot in a place where it can receive bright indirect light and keeps a temperature of between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep them moist and ensure that drainage can occur.
- Once the weather in your area has settled (there aren't large rises or drops in temperature or moisture in the air), and the roots have grown enough that they support the cutting, they can be planted in your yard. Find a place that has great drainage, and a good amount of sun to plant your cutting in. Ensure that it receives a moderate amount of water while it grows and matures; ensure good drainage and keep the soil moist.
When propagating Cape Mallow by seed, keep in mind that the propagated plant may not have the exact characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate Cape Mallow by seed, follow these instructions:
- After Cape Mallows have flowered, purse-shaped seed pods will appear where blooms occurred on the plant. These pods will become dry and burst open on their own, releasing their seeds. At this time, seeds can be collected. They are small and black. Store them in an envelope until you're ready to use them. They should be planted as soon as possible after harvesting. If you are saving the seeds until next spring, store them in a cool, dry place; the cold will inhibit germination.
- The seeds should be planted 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in well-drained potting soil in full sun. Water them well and ensure good drainage is occurring.
- Once the soil temperature in your area reaches 70 degrees, your new plants can be transplanted into larger pots on your patio, or directly into the ground. Soil where your propagated plant is placed should be well-draining and in full sun. Surround the plant with a light covering of mulch around the base to help moisture retention and ensure that the roots stay moist while it is acclimating to its new surroundings.
Problems and pests
Cape Mallow is relatively drought and disease-resistant, but are susceptible to a few issues.
- Mallow Rust
- Japanese Beetles
Gallery
The flowers of Anisodontea resemble those of Hollyhock plants, but are much smaller.
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Flowers have five petals, and are typically shades of pink.
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These plants do well when grown in containers.
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Here, Anisodontea provides a pop of color behind grey-green Dusty Miller plants.
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Use these flowering plants as low water-use substitutes for Hollyhock.
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Anisodontea shrubs will attract pollinators, like bees, to the garden.
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videos
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An up-close look at Cape Mallow.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 154, Adisodontea hypomadara
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