Common name: Turks Cap

Turks Cap is naive to the southern United States and Central America. It is closely related to the Hibiscus, with flowers that are similar in appearance. However, unlike Hibiscus the flowers never fully open and resembles the Fez-like cap commonly worn by Turkish men in the past, hence its  common name.

This fast growing shrub is most commonly between 3 and 5 meters tall. It has a erect, but sprawling growth habit and is densely foliaged with light green, evergreen leaves with wavy or serrated margins. The showy red, pink or white flowers are in bloom for most of the year, mainly in summer, autumn and winter and hang down from the branches.

Use

Commonly found in gardens in the cool highlands in it native range. The leave are reported to be palatable to livestock and have a high dry crude protein content of around 22% of dry weight.

Climate

Grows best in moderately humid to humid subtropical and lowland to high-elevation tropical climates, generally with annual lows of 11 to 23 °C, annual highs of 21 to 33 °C and annual rainfall of 1200 to 3000 mm.

Growing

Usually propagated from cuttings because plants rarely produce seed. New growth usually develop on cutting before roots do. Turks Cap is moderately tolerant of salt spray and can be used as a seaside garden plant, but should be planted away from the shore or at an elevated position where it will not experience tidal surge. Grows best on sites with full to partial sun exposure. Has good tolerance of limestone or alkaline soils. Needs pruning back each year to keep growth in check and to form and to keep the desired shape. Pruning also encourages flowering and new growth.

Problem features

Is vigorous grower which has a tendency to send up suckers from it roots.