Also known as African Mallow · Cape African Queen · Cape Mallow
Cape African-Queen (Anisodontea capensis) is a charming shrub from South Africa, known for its profuse, mallow-like pink flowers blooming throughout much of the year.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, ensure good drainage.
Well-drained, sandy loam
50% intensity
Average
50% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures (18-24°C) during the growing season; can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter (10-15°C).
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water moderately when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, especially in winter when the plant is dormant. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Reduce watering in cooler months and allow the soil to dry out more between waterings.
Prune in early spring to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing stems. Light trimming throughout the summer can help maintain a tidy appearance and promote more blooms.
Deadheading spent flowers also encourages further flowering.
Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer or early autumn. Insert cuttings into a well-draining potting mix. Keep them moist and in a warm, bright location. Rooting typically occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Alternatively, seeds can be sown in spring.
Repot young plants annually or bi-annually in spring into slightly larger containers. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years. Use a well-draining potting compost.
Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water retention.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cape African-Queen (Anisodontea capensis)
Where Cape African-Queen (Anisodontea capensis) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Anisodontea |
| Species | Anisodontea capensis |
Similar in genus Anisodontea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
