Scarlet Pentapetes
Pentapetes phoenicia
A tropical Asian native with deep green leaves, and red-hued flowers that open around noon and close the following morning, Scarlet Pentapetes is a rarity in American gardens today, just as it was in Jefferson's time.
Thomas Jefferson recorded this tender annual in Monticello's flower border in 1811, calling it "Scarlet Mallow." He likely received seed from Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon, who noted the flower, native to tropical Asia, in his 1806 book, The American Gardener's Calendar. Pentapetes ("five petals") phoenicia ("scarlet") forms a handsome four-foot-high plant with deep green, heavily lobed leaves, and attractive, orangish-red, mallow-like flowers. The blossoms open around noon and close the following dawn.
In Bloom at Monticello is made possible by support from The Richard D. and Carolyn W. Jacques Foundation.
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Heirloom Seeds and Plants from the Monticello collection
Plant history in your gardens with seeds and plants from Monticello and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants.
