Overview
Gossypium herbaceum is a plant with a shrub habit in the genus Gossypium, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Gossypium herbaceum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental.
About
Gossypium herbaceum, commonly known as Levant cotton, is a species of cotton native to semi-arid regions of Southern Africa, as well as from Syria to Afghanistan, where it still grows perennially in the wild as a shrub.
About the genus
Gossypium is a genus of flowering plants in the tribe Gossypieae of the mallow family, Malvaceae, from which cotton is harvested. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Old and New Worlds. There are about 50 Gossypium species, making it the largest genus in the tribe Gossypieae, and new species continue to be discovered.
Wikipedia contributors, "Gossypium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gossypium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gossypium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Gossypium herbaceum size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gossypium herbaceum
- Propagation
- Seed
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to verticillium wilt
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gossypium herbaceum?
Gossypium herbaceum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gossypium herbaceum need?
Gossypium herbaceum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Gossypium herbaceum hardy in the UK?
Gossypium herbaceum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Gossypium herbaceum?
Seed.