Plant Profile: Abelmoschus manihot

Sunset Huskmallow thrives effortlessly in well-drained, consistently moist loamy soils under full sunlight. It readily self-seeds in garden settings. To encourage fresh growth in the spring, prune it back to the ground during winter. The leaves are not only edible but also add a vibrant touch to vegetable gardens or perennial borders. This plant can be cultivated in containers, and it tends to be less appealing to deer. Although it is related to okra, it has traded its edible pods for more prominent flowers.

Reaching heights of up to 6 feet and spreading 3 feet wide, Sunset Huskmallow features large lemon-yellow blooms that last just a day; however, the extended blooming period compensates for this brief display. Its leaves serve both ornamental and culinary purposes. In cooler regions, it can be grown as an annual.

Potential issues include pests such as aphids, slugs, and whiteflies.