Big Momma is a hybrid of two Malvaviscus species - Malvaviscus drummondii and Malvaviscus penduliflorus. The former has upward-facing 2-inch long flowers and is winter hardy up to USDA Zone 7, while the latter has drooping 3-inch long flowers and is winter hardy up to USDA Zone 9. Malvaviscus is a genus of shrubby herbaceous hibiscus relatives native to the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. This hybrid combines the former's winter hardiness with the latter's larger flowers. Greg Grant from Texas developed and introduced it into commerce in 2005.
Big Momma typically grows to a height of 4-6 feet when grown in full sunlight. It produces showy, hibiscus-like, 5-petaled scarlet red flowers around 2 3/4 inches long. These flowers usually bloom in abundance from mid-summer to first frost. After that, the plants die to the ground, behaving like herbaceous perennials. The flower petals twist and swirl around the extended pistil and stamens, which protrude beyond the petal tips. This gives rise to the common names of Turk's cap (flower shape) and sleepy mallow (resembling a hibiscus bud that doesn't completely open). The flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. After flowering, the plant produces marble-sized red fruits that are edible.
Deer resistant, rabbit resistant, drought tolerant.
