Name: Anisodontea hybrid ‘Slightly Strawberry’
Zones: Hardy to 9 – 11 Hardy to 25ºF
Size: 24 to 36
Conditions: Full sun; dry to normal moisture.
Raleigh has recently experienced unseasonably hot temperatures. Granted, it’s summer-time in the south, so we should have expectations of hot and humid weather; 88ºF is normal for this time of year. But lately, we have seen temperatures in the mid 90s and even up to 99, with no rain in sight. Given these extremes, each morning, I make the rounds in my water-wise, wildlife habitat to see who needs a drink.
I found as I made the rounds, I kept walking past Anisodontea hybrid ‘Slightly Strawberry.’ Another day and still no need for watering; then another, and another, and another. I was inclined to offer her a drink anyway, but then curiosity gets the best of me. Now I’m curious to see how long she can actually go without water.
‘Slightly Strawberry’ is upright and perky, producing prolific flowers, basking in the sun, without a care in the air. So far, no additional water has been needed.
I rate Proven Selections, ‘Slightly Strawberry’ high on my most needed list. ‘Slightly Strawberry’ currently is planted in the driveway trial bed in Helen’s Haven™. Next year, I will add her to the rock garden and containers. The color, as the common name suggests, is pinky purple and it is lovely and perfect for my garden.
Helen Yoest is a garden writer and coach through her business Gardening with Confidence™
Follow Helen on Twitter @HelenYoest and her facebook friend’s page, Helen Yoest or Gardening With Confidence™ Face Book LikePage.
Each week, Helen host’s a garden talk WebTalkRadio.net show called Gardening With Confidence™.
Also serves on the board of advisors for the JC Raulston Arboretum
I like mine too a whole lot. I plan a post within the next month or so of the plants. Very neat how you shared the link!
Good to know Helen as I’m testing it too. I keep my beds a bit on the moist side and had to back off watering this.
Never heard of this plant. I think I’ll hold out for ‘Mostly Strawberry.’
I love any plant in the mallow family but I’m sorry to say this has not done well for me. I’m not sure why. Maybe we had too much rain in the beginning, or maybe not enough heat. My three plants have sulked all summer & are just starting to take off. I noticed in the Buffalo trial gardens they were thriving, so maybe it’s just me. Many other plants in the mallow family do well for me, so I’d like to think it’s not my fault, but rather the plant is just better suited to a warmer climate.