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Hibiscus coccineus (Scarlet Rose Mallow)

Scarlet Rose Mallow, American Scarlet Rose Mallow, Swamp Hibiscus, Crimson Rosemallow, Wild Red Mallow, Texas Star Hibiscus

Hibiscus coccineus, Scarlet Rose Mallow, American Scarlet Rose Mallow, Swamp Hibiscus, Crimson Rosemallow, Wild Red Mallow, Texas Star Hibiscus, Flowering Shrub, Red flowers, Red Hibiscus

Vigorous, Hibiscus coccineus (Scarlet Rose Mallow) is a woody-based perennial noted for its 5-petaled, bright crimson red flowers, up to 3-5 in. across (7-12 cm). Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, the eye-catching flowers are adorned with conspicuous, protruding, creamy-white to pale yellow tubes of stamens. But even without these gorgeous blooms, this plant is worth growing for its shiny, palmately divided, deep green leaves.

  • Typically grows with an upright habit, up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun or part shade in average, medium to wet soils. Tolerates summer heat and humidity. Site in locations protected from wind to minimize the risk of wind burn.
  • Fairly pest and disease free. Watch for leaf spots, blights, rusts, canker, and Japanese beetles. Deer resistant.
  • Plant in shrub borders for dramatic summer blooms. Great flowering shrub for bog gardens, rain gardensalong streams or ponds.
  • Cut back stems to approximately 3-4 in. in late autumn (7-10 cm). Plants will benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season.
  • Native to the southeastern United States.

Hardy Hibiscus: How to Plant, Grow and Care


Prized for their huge, flamboyant flowers, hardy perennial hibiscus add an exotic, tropical punch to the garden. Though they conjure up images of the tropics, they can withstand cold winter temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C).

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Malvaceae
Genus Hibiscus
Common names Texas Star Hibiscus, Swamp Hibiscus, Hibiscus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Louisiana, Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi, North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Painted Lady’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Fifth Dimension’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Cooperi’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hula Girl’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus ‘Kopper King’ (Rose Mallow)
Hibiscus ‘Lord Baltimore’ (Rose Mallow)

Recommended Companion Plants

Hibiscus grandiflorus (Swamp Rose Mallow)
Iris hexagona (Dixie Iris)
Cephalanthus occidentalis (Button Bush)

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Hardy Hibiscus: How to Plant, Grow and Care
Hardy US Native Hibiscus to Grow
Tropical Hibiscus
Rose of Sharon: How to Grow and Care with Success
Native Plant Alternatives to Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Malvaceae
Genus Hibiscus
Common names Texas Star Hibiscus, Swamp Hibiscus, Hibiscus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average, High
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Louisiana, Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi, North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia
Tolerance Deer, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hibiscus
Guides with
Hibiscus
Not sure which Hibiscus to pick?
Compare Now

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