Hibiscus aculeatus (Comfortroot)

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 are 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.