Melochia tomentosa
(Broom Weed, Pyramid Bush, Raichie, Tea Bush, Wooly Pyramid Bush)

Comments:  Melochia tomentosa or Broom Weed or Pyramid Bush or Raichie or Tea Bush or Wooly Pyramid Bush or Melochia frutescens or Melochia turpianana or Moluchia frustescens or Moluchia tomentosa is a perennial shrub with an upright growth habit.  It is a native of United States.  From Spring till frost, Melochia tomentosa produces long stalks of floriferous showy magenta flowers, followed later by seeds. Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies are magnetized by the nectar-rich flowers.  Its exquisite gray, wooly, soft foliage with serrated margins are very eye-catching.  Both the leaves and the stems are soft and have fine hairs.  Wooly Pyramid Bush is easily propagated from seeds, cuttings or simple layering.  It thrives best in well-drained, sandy, rocky soil in a sunny environment.  Raichie is low maintenance and tolerates drought hence excellent for xeriscaping.   It is a self seeder so deadhead spent blossoms to control spread.  leaves and stems are soft and have fine hair.  Tea Bush is drought tolerant hence excellent for xerisscaping.  It is a superb foliage plant.  The bright magenta flowers brighten the sunny landscape.  Mass plant Moluchia frutescens for a terrific show stopper in the rock garden or dryish landscape.  In Winter, Broom Weed dies back to ground level but returns next season with stronger growth.  Melochia turpianana easily strikes up a conversation.  It is a magnificent show stopper.  

USDA Zones:  8-11