
African mallow
About African mallow
Cape Mallow is an easy to grow upright evergreen subshrub that blooms profusely from spring until frost or all year long in southern temperate climates. Cape Mallows prefer morning sun and partial shade in the afternoon. The dense foliage makes it a good plant to trim into a tree-form topiary specimen. The dwarf varieties are well suited for container planting.
Taxonomy
Anisodontea capensis
Anisodontea
Malvaceae
Malvales
Also known as
African mallow, dwarf hibiscus, cape mallow and false mallow

How to care for African mallow

How often to water your African mallow

every 9
African mallow needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for African mallow in your home

a window
African mallow love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
African mallow does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of African mallow in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize African mallow

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your African mallow after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

African mallow is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
African mallow prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
African mallow requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Soil
African mallow does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
African mallow is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.
Growth Pattern
African mallow grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
African mallow can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
The seeds of African mallow can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.
Care Summary for African mallow
African mallow
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
