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Hibiscus aculeatus (Comfortroot)

Comfortroot, Big Thicket Hibiscus, Pineland Hibiscus, Hibiscus scaber

Hibiscus aculeatus, Hardy Hibiscus, Comfortroot, Big Thicket Hibiscus, Pineland Hibiscus, Hibiscus scaber, Native Hibiscus, White Hibiscus, Yellow Hibiscus
Hibiscus aculeatus, Hardy Hibiscus, Comfortroot, Big Thicket Hibiscus, Pineland Hibiscus, Hibiscus scaber, Native Hibiscus, White Hibiscus, Yellow Hibiscus

Valued for its attractive flowers, Hibiscus aculeatus (Comfortroot) is a large, long-lived perennial wildflower boasting showy flowers, up to 3-4 in. across (7-10 cm), adorned with a deep purplish-red center. Changing in color from cream to yellow before fading to pink, the petals have pleated scalloped edges. Blooming from late spring through fall, the blossoms attract many pollinators, including butterflies and native bees. The blooms are followed by large scabrous capsules containing seeds. The leaves are alternately arranged, palmate, and scabrous with toothed margins. Native to the southeastern United States, Comfortroot is a wetland species that can be found growing along the edges of savannas, bogs, hydric to mesic pine flatwoods and roadside ditches. It will go dormant and die back in the winter. Comfortroot is an attractive addition to moist landscapes, native plant gardens or wet wildflower gardens. It is rarely grown, but it has potential in appropriate sites.

  • Typically grows with an upright habit, up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). Will self-seed, but not prolifically.
  • Thrives in full sun or light shade in moist to moderately dry acidic soils. Tolerates seasonal flooding and is also drought tolerant, however, it will not survive if soils are not moist or wet for part of the year.
  • Plant in perennial borders, along streams or ponds, or in rain gardens.
  • Keep an eye out for blight, canker, rust, leaf spots, aphids, scale, whiteflies and Japanese beetle.
  • Annual pruning to the ground may be necessary.
  • Propagate by seed and cuttings.
  • Hibiscus aculeatus is a wetland plant native to the southeastern United States from Texas to South Carolina.

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Malvaceae
Genus Hibiscus
Common names Hibiscus
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hibiscus hamabo (Yellow Hibiscus)
Hibiscus Paraplu Violet® (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus Paraplu Pink Ink® (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus syriacus White Pillar® (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus syriacus Red Pillar® (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus syriacus Purple Pillar® (Rose of Sharon)

Recommended Companion Plants

Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)
Eutrochium fistulosum (Joe-Pye Weed)
Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Types of Hibiscus: From Hardy to Tropical, Find Your Perfect Match
How to Propagate Hibiscus for Stunning Flower Displays
Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow: Reasons and Remedies
Hibiscus Flower Colors to Add a Splash of Beauty to Your Garden
How to Pick the Perfect Hibiscus Plant for Your Garden or Container
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Rose of Sharon: How to Grow and Care with Success
Tropical Hibiscus
Top Hardy US Native Hibiscus Plants for Your Garden
Hardy Hibiscus: How to Plant, Grow and Care
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 7 - 10
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Malvaceae
Genus Hibiscus
Common names Hibiscus
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 3' - 6' (90cm - 180cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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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