Plant Turk's cap after frost, with the root ball even with the surrounding soil. Leave about 3 to 5 feet between shrubs.
Plant after frost, 3 to 5 feet apart, at pot depth
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | After the last frost, so warm soil can take the roots | Do not set a new shrub into frozen ground |
| Hole | Twice as wide as the root ball, and no deeper than the pot | Do not bury the stem deeper than it grew in the nursery pot |
| Spacing | About 3 to 5 feet between shrubs | Do not pack a hedge tighter than the shrub can fill unless you keep it cut short |
| First weeks | Water to settle the soil, then keep the first dry weeks from baking the new roots | Do not let a new plant sit bone-dry its first month |
Plant Turk's cap after frost has passed, so the first winter is not the first week in the ground. Leave about 3 to 5 feet between shrubs so each one can fill without crowding. [1] A young plant still needs regular water until the roots take, even if an established plant later handles dry spells. [2] Give it room. A small nursery pot can become a 3- to 6-foot shrub, and larger where it never freezes. [3] Choose a hole that drains. A new shrub rots in standing water, even if the bed is otherwise right. Work circling roots loose before you set the ball, so they grow out into the hole. [4]
- Wait until frost has passed. Plant in spring so the shrub has warm soil to root into.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, and no deeper than the pot. Set the root ball even with the surrounding soil.
- Leave about 3 to 5 feet between shrubs. Water to settle the soil, then keep the first dry weeks from baking the new roots.
- Keep mulch a few inches back from the stem.
When should I plant Turk's cap?
Plant after frost. Spring is the usual window. Do not set a new shrub into frozen ground.
How far apart do I plant Turk's cap?
Leave about 3 to 5 feet between shrubs so each one can fill. Plant closer only if you will keep it cut short.
Plant after frost with the root ball even with the soil, leave 3 to 5 feet between shrubs, and water the first dry weeks.
FAQ
Can I plant it in fall in a frost-free garden?
In a frost-free garden, yes. Warm soil lets a fall planting take. North of a hard freeze, wait until spring.
Do I fertilize when I plant?
No extra feed at plant. Water to settle the soil. Heavy fertilizer is not the first job.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] The Dirt Doctor -
https://dirtdoctor.com/library/turks-cap/ - [2] Mississippi State University Extension -
https://extension.msstate.edu/news/southern-gardening/2024/native-turks-cap-good-perennial-for-todays-gardens - [3] Texas Superstar -
https://texassuperstar.com/malvaviscus-turks-cap/ - [4] University of Florida IFAS -
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/turks-cap/
This note is part of Malvaviscus Guides.
More planting notes by plant are gathered in Planting Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors