Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Saturday - February 28, 2015

From: austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pruning, Seasonal Tasks, Shrubs
Title: Need to control Turk's cap in front yard in Austin, TX
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

I have several turks cap in my front yard- they grow well, but they grown huge-high and spread out. My neighbors' are much more compact! how can I keep them in control?

ANSWER:

Its called pruning.

Turk’s cap Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (Turk's cap or turkscap)is a spreading shrub, often as broad as high, grows 2-3 ft., sometimes reaching 9 ft., so some amount of control is in order. This previous answer will give you some ideas about Turk’s cap, and this link to Purdue University Cooperative Extension can answer most of your questions about pruning in general.

You might also want to chat with your neighbors.

From the Image Gallery

Turk's cap
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii