Velvet-leaf mallow Plant Care

Velvet-leaf mallow (Wissadula excelsior) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Wissadula genus. Velvet-leaf mallow is native to the tropical Americas, ranging from northeastern Mexico through Central and South America to northeastern Argentina, and to Cuba. Velvet-leaf mallow is also known as Florida Keys hibiscus.

Velvet-leaf mallow displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Velvet-leaf mallow produces small, delicate pink or white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Velvet-leaf mallow every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Velvet-leaf mallow thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Wissadula excelsior tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Velvet-leaf mallow prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Velvet-leaf mallow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Velvet-leaf mallow every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Velvet-leaf mallow is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Velvet-leaf mallow can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Velvet-leaf mallow while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Velvet-leaf mallow is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Velvet-leaf mallow can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wissadula diffusa plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Velvet-leaf mallow is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Velvet-leaf mallow grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Velvet-leaf mallow is native to the tropical Americas, ranging from northeastern Mexico through Central and South America to northeastern Argentina, and to Cuba. In cooler regions, grow Velvet-leaf mallow as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.