Rose Pavonia
Pavonia lasiopetala
Family: Malvaceae
Evergreen shrub from 2-4’ tall and wide. Pink flowers whenever the weather is warm enough (most of the year). Flowers are followed by small, open capsules that yield small round seeds.
Full to part sun, moderate water, hardy to 10°F. May need to be cut back to encourage new growth.
Loved by butterflies, hummingbirds, and other nectar-seeking insects. This and other Pavonia species are used by hobbyists and researchers to rear the Small Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia a European moth.
The 296 Pavonia species are distributed throughout Central and South America as well as in the southern and eastern parts of Africa with some species in West Africa as well as in India and eastern Australia. The generic name, Pavonia, honors Spanish botanist José Antonio Pavón Jiménez (1754–1844). The species name lasiopetala comes from the Greek “lasios,” meaning “hairy,” and “petalon,” meaning “petal,” which describes the distinctive texture of its petals.
Dry, rocky woods and slopes. Pastures, Savannas, Ditches, Ravines, Depressions Open woodlands in Texas, from Edwards Plateau through Rio Grande Plains to adjacent Mexico. A South American species, Pavonia hastata is often available in the trade, from Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.