Rock Rose

Pavonia lasiopetala

Also known as Rock Rose, Rose Pavonia, Rose Mallow, Pavonia

Pavonia is a beloved garden accent plant that brings charm to gardens all across Texas, even though it originates from the dry, rocky woods and banks of South, Central, or West Texas. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular—with its long blooming season and versatility! This lovely little perennial shrub adapts well to a range of conditions, thriving in everything from full sun to partial shade, and it can flourish in a variety of soils, whether very dry or regularly watered. It features delightful light green, velvety, heart-shaped leaves and blooms with deep rose-pink flowers that resemble miniature hibiscus. These pretty flowers open in the morning and gently close up by early afternoon during our hottest days.

While Pavonia tends to have a loose growth habit, you can keep it looking neat and compact with regular pruning, which encourages fresh growth and more lovely blooms. Though it's known to live for about 3 to 6 years, it readily self-sows and can easily be propagated from saved seeds or softwood cuttings.