Abelmoschus moschatus

Native to tropical Asia, musk mallow is a compact tender perennial that typically grows in a bushy clump to 1.5-2 tall when grown as an annual. Species plants feature hibiscus-like yellow flowers (to 2-3î wide) with purplish centers. Cultivars expand the available flower colors to include attractive shades of pink, orange-red and red often with white centers. Flowers last only for one day, but plants bloom freely throughout the growing season to frost. Flowers give way to fruit capsules (to 3î long) which have a musky aroma, hence the common name. Hairy, dark green leaves are deeply cut into... more »

Native to tropical Asia, musk mallow is a compact tender perennial that typically grows in a bushy clump to 1.5-2 tall when grown as an annual. Species plants feature hibiscus-like yellow flowers (to 2-3î wide) with purplish centers. Cultivars expand the available flower colors to include attractive shades of pink, orange-red and red often with white centers. Flowers last only for one day, but plants bloom freely throughout the growing season to frost. Flowers give way to fruit capsules (to 3î long) which have a musky aroma, hence the common name. Hairy, dark green leaves are deeply cut into 3-7 lobes. Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) also features attractive yellow flowers, but is more commonly grown as a vegetable crop for its edible seed pods. (less)