Pink Turk's Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii "Pink Form")

Pink Turk's Cap

Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii – Pink Form

Other Common Names: Pink Wax Mallow, Pink Drummond's Turk's Cap

Top Pick: A pink-flowering form of native Turk's Cap that brings hummingbird-friendly flowers and soft color to shady gardens from summer into fall.

Quick Plant Info

• 🌤️ Light: Part Shade to Shade; Tolerates Sun
• 💧 Water: Low to Medium
• 🌿 Type: Perennial Shrub
• 📏 Mature Size: Approximately 3–5 ft tall × 3–5 ft wide

Description

A softer shade of a Texas favorite, with the same irresistible appeal to hummingbirds.

Pink Turk's Cap is a pink-flowering form of the familiar Texas native Turk's Cap. Its distinctive flowers have overlapping petals that remain partially closed, creating a delicate, turban-like shape.

The pink flowers provide a softer alternative to the traditional bright red form, making this plant especially attractive in woodland gardens, shaded borders, and designed landscapes.

Turk's Cap is particularly valuable because it blooms reliably in locations receiving less direct sunlight than many other hummingbird plants.

🌺 Why it works

• Unusual pink flowers from summer into fall
• Excellent hummingbird nectar source
• Thrives in part shade and tolerates deeper shade
• Supports butterflies, bees, and other wildlife
• Produces small fruits used by birds and other wildlife
• Works well in woodland gardens and informal borders
• Can be used in both naturalistic and designed landscapes
• Established plants tolerate periods of dry weather

🐦 Wildlife value

The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, which can access nectar deep within the blooms. Butterflies and other flower visitors may also use the plant.

Turk's Cap produces small red fruits that are eaten by birds and other wildlife. Its leafy growth also contributes to garden habitat and cover.

🌱 Where it thrives

Pink Turk's Cap performs especially well in part shade, including woodland edges and gardens with filtered sunlight. It tolerates deeper shade, although flowering may be reduced.

Plants can also grow in sunnier locations when adequate moisture is available, but afternoon shade is often beneficial during intense North Texas summers.

• Hummingbird gardens
• Woodland and shade gardens
• Shaded perennial borders
• Understory plantings
• Naturalistic landscapes
• Designed native gardens

Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soils, including clay, provided drainage is reasonable. Performs best with moderate moisture and some organic matter.

✂️ Growth & maintenance

Pink Turk's Cap develops a bushy, spreading habit and can be trimmed to control its size. In North Texas, aboveground stems may die back following a hard freeze, with established plants returning from the roots in spring.

Remove winter-damaged stems after the danger of severe freezes has passed. Light pruning during the growing season can encourage a fuller appearance.

💧 Water (establishment note)

Water regularly during establishment. Once established, Turk's Cap tolerates some drought, especially in shaded locations, although supplemental water during prolonged dry periods helps maintain foliage and flowering.

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