Cape mallow (Anisodontea elegans) is a charming shrub native to South Africa, featuring delicate, mallow-like flowers and attractive foliage. It thrives in sunny location
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.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost; can be grown indoors during winter.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
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 to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, especially during cooler months.
Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Prune in early spring to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pinching of young shoots can promote a fuller habit.
Regular deadheading of spent flowers will encourage more blooms throughout the season.
Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer. Insert cuttings into a well-draining potting mix. Keep them moist and in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Roots typically form within 4-6 weeks.
Once established, transplant into individual pots.
Repot your Cape mallow every 1-2 years in spring, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes.
Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly after repotting.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cape Mallow (Anisodontea elegans)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Anisodontea |
| Species | Anisodontea elegans |
Similar in genus Anisodontea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
