Cape Mallow

It is an upright, dense subshrub that grows 1m to 1.5m tall and 90cm wide, and is found at altitudes of 670 to 2167 meters. It features green, hairy branches 2mm in length that age to brownish grey. Leaves are simple and ovate, palmately veined and three-lobed, 1mm in length. It has a woody base, so it is not a true herbaceous plant. During a cold spell, it may lose some of its leaves. From late winter or early spring to the first frost, it would display fuchsia, mauve or pink flowers with red centres that are borne in clusters with 5 petals, 1mm in diameter, resembling a hibiscus.

The plant does well in Mediterranean style gardens, in containers and as a hedge. They thrive in well-drained soils with organic matter and must be watered regularly during hot and dry spells. Some light pruning is encouraged to promote bushy and compact growth. It can be propagated from tip cuttings done in the summer, and as well by seed (which should be sown on the surface). It can bloom all year long provided it is protected from frost.