Turk’s cap Big Momma

Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii) is a pass-along kind of old garden plant that still has great potential in gardens and landscapes of today. These plants have recently been named Texas Superstars.

Ten varieties are being grown at the LSU AgCenter's Hammond Research Station – pink, red, Big Momma, Spreading Red, Variegated, Pam Puryear, White Lightning, Giant White, Giant Red and Giant Pink. Flowers come in red (the most common), pink and white.

Plants do best in light shade during the afternoon hours and bloom the best from mid- to late summer through fall. The attractive flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Plants will produce suckers and spread to some degree. This native plant is deserving of more use.