Grow Turk's cap in a large pot that drains. Water more often than a bed, and bring the pot in before a hard freeze.
Use a large pot that drains, and water more often than a bed
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Pot | A sturdy pot with holes, large enough for a 3- to 6-foot shrub | Do not use a tiny cup that dries out every afternoon |
| Mix | Potting mix that drains, not garden soil packed in a tub | Do not let the pot sit in a full saucer |
| Water | Water when the top of the mix is dry; a pot dries faster than a bed | Do not treat a set bed's dry spell as the pot's calendar |
| Light | Part shade on the patio, or morning sun | Do not bake a small pot on a west wall all afternoon |
Turk's cap grows in a patio pot. Use a large container with drainage holes, because the shrub can reach 3 to 6 feet. [1] Fill it with potting mix that drains, not garden soil. Water when the top of the mix is dry, then let the extra water run out. [2] A pot dries faster than a bed, so you water more often even after the roots take. [3] Part shade on the patio still makes the closed red flowers. A tiny pot stunts the shrub and needs constant watering. [4]
- Choose a pot with drainage holes, large enough for a 3- to 6-foot shrub.
- Fill it with potting mix that drains, not garden soil.
- Set it in part shade outdoors. Water when the top of the mix is dry, then let the extra water run out.
- Empty the saucer after watering so the roots do not sit wet.
Can I grow Turk's cap in a pot?
Yes. Use a large pot with holes, potting mix, and part shade outdoors. Water when the top of the mix is dry.
Bring the pot in before a hard freeze
A freeze kills the top in the ground, and a frozen root ball can kill a potted plant. Before a hard freeze, move the pot to a bright, frost-free room, a garage with a window, or a similar cool indoor spot. Water less indoors, because growth slows. Bring it back out after frost, once nights stay warm.
- Move the pot indoors before a hard freeze.
- Give it the brightest window you have. Water less than you did on the patio.
- After frost, set it back outside in part shade, and resume watering when the top of the mix is dry.
Can I overwinter a potted Turk's cap indoors?
Yes. Bring it in before a hard freeze, give it a bright window, and water less until spring.
Use a large pot with holes, water when the top of the mix is dry, and bring it in before a hard freeze.
FAQ
Can I keep it as a houseplant all year?
It will live indoors in bright light, but bloom drops and the stems stretch. Summer outdoors in part shade is the better season, then move it in for winter.
What size pot?
Large enough for a 3- to 6-foot shrub. A tiny cup dries too fast and stunts the plant.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Clemson Cooperative Extension -
https://hgic.clemson.edu/hummingbird-favorite-turks-cap/ - [2] NC State Extension -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/malvaviscus-arboreus-var-drummondii/ - [3] Texas Superstar -
https://texassuperstar.com/malvaviscus-turks-cap/ - [4] Mississippi State University Extension -
https://extension.msstate.edu/news/southern-gardening/2024/native-turks-cap-good-perennial-for-todays-gardens
This note is part of Malvaviscus Guides.
More container notes by plant live in Container Growing Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors