The species bears double blooms that open white and change to deep pink by afternoon. The blooms close at night. Altheas accept light shade, although they bloom best with some sun. Good drainage is also preferred. The plants will grow upright and dense to approximately 12 feet, or they can be pruned as small trees.
Altheas also make colorful hedges.
Three years ago, I planted the remaining area with monkey grass. However, I cannot seem to get the ground cover to grow in that spot, which is 2 or 3 feet wide on the west side of the tree. I have replanted that area each spring, even replaced the soil. It grows for a while, but usually it dies by the end of the summer. When it is really dry, I do put a hose by the base of the tree and let it slow-drip to keep the tree green.