Sunset huskmallow is a perennial shrubby plant in the mallow family (Malvaceae). It is native to tropical regions of southeast Asia and can be found growing along streams and ponds. This plant grows easily and quickly in well-drained, evenly moist, loamy soils in the full sun and prefers humid conditions. It will reach 4-6 feet tall with a 2-3 feet spread. It easily self-seeds in the garden. Prune it to the ground in winter to rejuvenate growth in the spring. The large lemon-yellow flowers last only a day but the long bloom season makes up for it. It doesn't bloom well once day-length drops below 12 hurs. The leaves are ornamental as well as being edible. In cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual. Although related to okra the seed pods are not edible. Deer tend to leave this plant alone. Use this plant in the back of the border, in a pollinator garden or in a vegetable garden, In cooler climates use it as an annual or in a container. It will also do well planted along streams, ponds and ditches. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, slugs, and whiteflies can be problems. Root nematodes.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.