Reasons to Grow The Turk’s Cap

Texans have the dual challenge of finding plants that can do well in the shade, but also withstand staggering temps and drought-tolerant in our unforgiving late summer climate. That’s why plants like the Turk’s Cap is being name the new Texas superstar. Turk’s Cap satisfies both of these needs while being very easy to care for.

• Turk’s Cap is a deciduous, semi-woody shrub that dies back to the ground each winter then re-emerges and quickly grows to 5’-6’ in late spring; over time, each plant also spreads.
• The rich green leaves contrast with the unique “Turk’s turban” shape of the bright red flowers; cultivars such as ’Pam’s Puryear’ (pink), ‘Big Momma’ (tomato red with larger flowers), and ‘Variegatus’ (variegated foliage) are also often available.
• This is one plant that can handle the clay soils of the Metroplex, and once established, it’s drought-tolerant. Turk’s Cap is low-maintenance, too: it will bloom all summer with no dead-heading of spent flowers, and an occasional trim will assure a neat, compact growth habit.
• It will perform in any light conditions, though exposure to full summer sun in our hottest months may cause the leaves to take on a wrinkled, leathery sort of appearance. Turk’s Cap loves dappled light or even full shade, and the beautiful flowers are a great way to add color to a darker corner of the landscape.
• Now here’s the best part: many pollinators love the nectar of Turk’s Cap, and hummingbirds can’t resist it. The fruit it produces is a food source for birds and mammals, and the leaves are a larval food for three butterflies (the Turk’s Cap White Skipper (Heliopetes macaira), the Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon istapa), and the Glassy-winged Skipper (Xenophanes tryxus). If you’re questioning what to plant in your garden, the answer may be Turk’s Cap.

Stop by NHG or call 214.363.5316 to check on product availability.