When does Turk's Cap bloom?

Malvaviscus arboreus blooms from June through November, providing nectar for pollinators during the late growing season.

What pollinators visit Turk's Cap?

Turk's Cap attracts butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds with its bright red tubular flowers that never fully open.

Where is Malvaviscus arboreus native?

This shrub is native to Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, thriving in woodland edges and partially shaded areas.

What growing conditions does Turk's Cap prefer?

Malvaviscus arboreus tolerates full sun to partial shade and performs well with low to medium water once established.

Is Turk's Cap HOA-friendly?

Turk's Cap takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Turk's Cap

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Malvaviscus arboreus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Malvaviscus arboreus is a native shrub found in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas that produces bright red turban-shaped flowers from June through November, attracting butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds.

Turk's Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus) — Photo: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–72" H × 36"–60" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AL, GA, TX

Pollinators

butterflies, moths, hummingbirds

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Turk's Cap is a native Texas shrub that produces distinctive red turban-shaped flowers that never fully open. It blooms continuously from summer through fall and provides excellent wildlife habitat while requiring minimal water once established.

Growing Turk's Cap

Grow Turk's Cap in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 60 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Turk's Cap takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range

Wildlife value

This plant is a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths throughout its long blooming season. The red flowers provide nectar while the small fruits feed birds and other wildlife.

Common questions

When does Turk's Cap bloom?: Malvaviscus arboreus blooms from June through November, providing nectar for pollinators during the late growing season.
What pollinators visit Turk's Cap?: Turk's Cap attracts butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds with its bright red tubular flowers that never fully open.
Where is Malvaviscus arboreus native?: This shrub is native to Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, thriving in woodland edges and partially shaded areas.
What growing conditions does Turk's Cap prefer?: Malvaviscus arboreus tolerates full sun to partial shade and performs well with low to medium water once established.
Is Turk's Cap HOA-friendly?: Turk's Cap takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Turk's Cap fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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