Phymosia umbellata
Mexican bush mallow
A tropical evergreen shrub, up to around 3m high, with soft, lobed, grey-green leaves. Small clusters of bowl-shaped, bright red flowers are produced in summer; in a warm sheltered spot flowers may be produced almost all year round
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade; in areas prone to hard frosts, grow under glass or in containers that can be moved indoors over winter. Will not tolerate strong winds or waterlogged soil
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings in late spring or late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Minimal pruning required; if grown under glass, restrictive pruning can be done in late winter
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.