Anoda Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 21st Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Anoda plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Spurred Anoda, Wild Mallow: Cultivation & Garden Use

The half hardy perennial Anoda typically flowers from the middle of summer until the first frost of autumn.

Some of the common and Latin names for the plant include the Spurred anoda, Anoda cristata, and Wild Mallow.

Thomas G. Barnes @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Description of Anoda

Anoda are upright plants that typically grow to between 30 centimetres and 75 centimetres (12 to 30 inches) in height.

The genus is a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae). They have cup shaped solitary flowers of yellow, blue, purple or white, and lobed leaves.

They make for great border plants.

Agrostis Plant Species

Anoda cristata - Crested Anoda

Anoda cristata is an annual herb. It has heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers. The fruit is disc-shaped.

Anoda cristata photograph by Anthony Mendoza.

It grows well in full sun to part shade locations with a well-drained soil. Crested Anoda is often used in wildflower mixes as it is a great plant to grow to attract pollinators.

Anoda pentaschista - Five-angled Anoda

Anoda pentaschista is a perennial herb. It has deeply lobed leaves. The flowers are lavender to purple.

Five-angled Anoda prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It works well in naturalized settings or pollinator gardens.

Anoda strigosa - Tall Anoda

Anoda strigosa is an annual herbaceous plant. Tall Anoda has triangular leaves and yellow flowers. It bears round, spiny fruits.

It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is oft used in wildflower gardens and for its weed-suppressing properties.

Anoda hastata - Spearleaf Anoda

Anoda hastata is a robust perennial. It has arrow-shaped leaves and pink flowers. Plants produce disc-shaped fruits.

Spearleaf Anoda enjoys full sun with well-drained soil. Its bright flowers make it a popular choice for borders and wildflower gardens.

How to Grow Anoda

It is best to plant Anoda just below the soil surface at a depth of about half a centimetre, with a spacing of approximately 30 centimetres (one foot).

Anoda should be planted out just after the last frost of spring. Anoda prefers to be grown in the sun, but may require light shade in the afternoons in particularly hot areas.

The soil type is not important, but should be well drained. When starting Anoda off from seed indoors, the seeds should planted two to three weeks before they are due to be planted outside, ideally after the last frost.

Caring for Anoda

Anoda care is quite simple. They require to be watered during very dry spells.

The plant should be deadheaded following flowering to prevent them from taking over the garden. Anoda should be mulched in the autumn in very cold areas.

Common Questions

How many members does the Anoda genus have?

The Anoda genus consists of about 20 species, all of which are flowering plants from tropical and subtropical regions.

Do members of Anoda make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Anoda species can be ornamental, but many are considered weeds in cultivated fields and gardens.

Which Anoda species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Anoda cristata, known as Spurred Anoda, is sometimes grown for its lavender flowers, although it is often considered a weed.

Are members of the Anoda plant genus fragrant?

Plants in the Anoda genus are not typically known for their fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Anoda?

Anoda species prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They can be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields.

Is Anoda invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Yes, some Anoda species, including Anoda cristata, can be invasive in the southern United States, particularly in agricultural fields.

How do I remove Anoda plants from my garden?

Due to their weedy nature, Anoda plants can be removed by pulling or hoeing. Ensure to remove them before they set seed to prevent spreading.

Summary

The Anoda genus, part of the Malvaceae family, includes around 20 species of annuals and perennials. The most commonly known species is Anoda cristata, or Spurred Anoda. These plants, native to the Americas, feature funnel-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white.

Anoda plants prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including poor soils, making them versatile for different garden settings.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on Anoda. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Desert Mallow and Mallow plants.