Trumpet-Shaped Malope Trifida Annual Flower Plant
The buds of Malope trifida are blinkered. They are enclosed not only by their calyces, but also by axillary leaflets immediately below the buds. As they open, trumpet-shaped flowers, about 2V4 in wide, unfurl. Those of the species are purplish red, but other colors are also available now.
The trumpet-shaped Malope trifida grows as an annual in western Mediterranean regions. It likes a sunny position, nutritive soil, and adequate moisture. Sow the seed indoors in March-April, or scatter it directly in the garden after mid-April. The plant comes into flower in July and just goes on flowering. More and more blooms are carried at the top of the approximately 32-in tall plant, and attract huge numbers of butterflies. Malope trifida ‘Vulcan’ grows vigorously and bears magnificent crimson flowers, 3V4 in wide. The flowers of Malope trifida ‘White Queen’ are slightly smaller and snowy white.
