Turk’s Cap

Full sun to partial shade; a shrub-like perennial with thick, crinkled mallow leaves and red hibiscus flowers that never seem to open — hence names like “Lazy Hibiscus.” It blooms continuously in warm weather. Although its leaves may curl or frizzle in sun scorch, don’t be fooled: Turk’s Cap is tough and drought tolerant.

Plant it in the understory in any shady spot; it can be used to quickly bulk up empty spaces in the garden and fill them with hummingbirds — especially in the dead of winter when the bare branches often still sport vibrant blooms.