NICE! Plant of the Month
(Pavonia lasiopetala)
Image courtesy of Uvalde Research and Extension
Center, Texas A&M University System
Description:
Pavonia is a 2-3 foot tall, semi-woody, almost evergreen shrub. The leaves are medium-sized, velvety, and scalloped, remaining on the plant in a mild winter. The numerous hibiscus-like flowers are rose-pink and 2 inches across. Flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon, except in the shade. Pavonia will occasionally die back to the roots in very cold winters. It can be used for color because of its long blooming season, March to November. Pavonia lives only 2-3 years, but reproduces freely from seed.
It is native to the Edwards Plateau, Rio Grande Plains, and the Trans-Pecos.
Deer Resistance:
Not browsed by deer.
Planting Sites:
Well-drained sites, in dappled shade to part shade or full sun. Best sites have morning sun and afternoon shade. Soil types include sand, loam, clay, and caliche.
Planting Instructions:
Space plants 2-3 feet apart. Dig hole slightly larger than, but the same depth as the nursery container. Carefully remove plant from container and gently loosen any compacted soil around the root ball. Plant at the same depth as the soil in the container. Add 2 to 3 inches of mulch around plant.
Watering Instructions:
If planting in spring: Water well after planting, using root stimulator according to directions. Water deeply every 7-10 days to promote deep roots that will withstand drought. May skip a watering after a rainfall of ½ to 1 inch.
If planting in hot dry summer: May need more frequent watering at first.
First fall/winter:
Reduce water during fall and winter. In a “normal” year, no watering may be necessary in fall and winter, but during a dry period, monthly watering may be desirable.
Second spring and thereafter:
Water monthly only in periods of drought. Once established, Pavonia will survive with little supplemental irrigation.
Other care:
Cut back anytime from February to October to prevent legginess. May be propagated by fresh seed, scarified seed, or softwood tip cuttings.
NICE! Tip:
Use Pavonia in place of Indian Hawthorne, Dwarf Crape Myrtle, or Cape Plumbago.
Look for the NICE! Plant of the Month signs and information sheets on your next visit to a participating Boerne nursery. And thank you for supporting native plants by using them in your landscapes.