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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).
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Malvaceae
Genus 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 Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Southeast, United States, Virginia
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, Painted Lady Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus 'Painted Lady', Chinese Hibiscus 'Painted Lady', Pink Hibiscus, Bicolor Hibiscus Hibiscus
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Hula Girl, Hula Girl Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus 'Hula Girl', Chinese Hibiscus 'Hula Girl', Yellow Hibiscus, Bicolor Hibiscus
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Fifth Dimension, Fifth Dimension Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus 'Fifth Dimension', Chinese Hibiscus 'Fifth Dimension', Orange Hibiscus, Bicolor Hibiscus Hibiscus
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Cooperi, Cooperi Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus 'Cooperi', Chinese Hibiscus 'Cooperi', Rose Mallow 'Cooperi', Variegated Hibiscus, Flowering Shrub, Red flowers, Red Hibiscus
Hibiscus 'Lord Baltimore', Lord Baltimore Hibiscus, Rose Mallow 'Lord Baltimore', Hardy Hibiscus 'Lord Baltimore', Red Hibiscus
Hibiscus 'Kopper King', Kopper King Hibiscus, Rose Mallow 'Kopper King', Hardy Hibiscus 'Kopper King', Pink Hibiscus, Dark foliage Hibiscus

Recommended Companion Plants

Hibiscus grandiflorus, Swamp Rose-Mallow, Pink Swamp Hibiscus, Large-flowered Hibiscus, Velvet Hardy Mallow
Iris hexagona, Dixie Iris, Carolina Iris, Water Iris, Bog Iris, Iris for Ponds, Perennial for wet soil, Perennial for poorly drained soils, Blue Iris, Lavender Iris
Cephalanthus occidentalis, Common Buttonbush, Buttonbush, Button Bush, Globe-Flowered Bush, Honeybells, Little Snowballs, Swamp Globeflower, White Pond-Dogwood, Button Willow
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
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 Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Southeast, United States, Virginia
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?
Learn Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hibiscus
Guides with
Hibiscus
Not sure which Hibiscus to pick?
Compare Now

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