Plant ID card |
|
|---|---|
Botanical name |
Anisodontea capensis. |
Common name |
Cape mallow, shrubby lavatera. |
Family |
Cape mallow, shrubby lavatera. |
Origin |
South Africa. |
Dimensions |
Anisodontea can grow up to 2 m high and 1.2 m wide when mature. |
Foliage |
Cape mallow has evergreen leaves that measure about 3 cm long. They are dark green, triangular in shape and composed of 3 to 5 rather narrow lobes. They are hairy, just like the stems that support them. |
Bloom |
The pretty flowers of the Anisodontea measure approximately 3 cm in diameter and are characterized by their purple to mauve color, veined with red. In their center, framed by 5 petals, we find a bouquet of stamens, like hibiscus flowers. |
Exposure |
The Anisodontea flourishes particularly when installed in full sun. |
Ground |
Cape mallow likes to be planted in light, well-drained soil. |
Rusticity |
-5°C. |
Also called Cape mallow, Anisodontea
is
a bushy shrub with very decorative flowering.
Although it requires some regular care to shine, it is an exceptional shrub that always makes an impact in a garden.
Where to place Cape mallow?
Exposure.
A fan of mild climates, the Cape mallow appreciates a
sunny location
sheltered from drafts.
This is a plant that also grows very well along the Mediterranean rim and more generally by the sea.
Location.
Although the Cape mallow can grow in clumps or in isolation, it is preferable to plant it
in a pot or container
in our latitudes.
In fact, it is a plant that does not tolerate frost well and is best kept under cover (cold greenhouse, veranda) during the winter months.
Cape mallow is grown in the sun, preferably in pots or containers.
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No use without permission.
How to take care of Cape mallow?
Watering.
The water requirements of Cape mallow are significant during the summer and during the flowering period.
Watering can then be reduced in winter.
Diseases.
The
Anisodontea
can be victim of
red spiders and mealybugs
.
The best way to avoid any invasion is to observe the plant regularly in order to spot the presence of intruders as quickly as possible.
It is then rather easy to get rid of it with black soap.
When does
Anisodontea
flower ?
The
Anisodontea
has a long flowering period since it flowers from the
first summer months until the first frost
.
Its numerous flowers can grow singly or in groups.
The flowers of the Cape mallow have the particularity of being very nectar-producing.
They therefore attract bees and other pollinating insects.
If the Cape mallow is distinguished by the longevity of its flowering, this is even more the case for the
El Rayo variety
(
Anisodontea capensis 'El Rayo'
).
Indeed, if temperatures do not drop below -10°C, it is entirely possible to enjoy its magnificent pink flowers all year round!
Without regions with mild winters, it is possible to enjoy the flowering of Cape mallow all year round!
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No use without permission.
How to prune Cape mallow?
In order to stimulate its growth and flowering, it is advisable to prune the Cape mallow every year, between the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
To do this,
prune severely
, making sure to keep a few pairs of leaves at the base of the plant.
When to take an
Anisodontea
cutting ?
To take cuttings from an
Anisodontea
, you must do it in summer.
Cut the stems of the year, remove the leaves located on the lower part and plant them in a moist and light substrate.
Does Cape mallow freeze?
If the Cape mallow can withstand
temperatures around -5°C
, it is preferable to bring it in before the frosts and then bring it out when the sunny days arrive, around May.
Ideally, place it in a veranda or at least an unheated room.
If you live on the French Riviera, you can slightly extend its stay outside.
In this case, remember to mulch its base and protect its foliage with a winter cover.
How long does an
Anisodontea
live ?
Although the growth of Anisodontea
is
rapid, its lifespan is rather short.
Generally, this plant does
not live more than 4 years
.