This vigorous shrub forms an upright spreading habit with many branches that are downy. The heart-shaped bright green leaves may be lobed and the closed funnel-shaped red flowers appear from summer to autumn. 

Hardiness zones 9 to 11 

Malvaviscus arboreus is naturally found from south-east North America to Mexico and Colombia growing in well drained, fertile moist light soils in an open sunny position and is frost and drought tender.

The Wax Mallow has lush foliage and is grown in shrub borders or as a specimen plant (under glass in cold climates) and in tropical gardens around water features. This is a long flowering shrub and is suitable for coastal or inland regions establishing in 1 to 2 years and is moderately long lived. ID 1043

Malvaviscus (măl-va-VIS-kus) arboreus (ar-BO-ree-us)