Hibiscus grandiflorus (Swamp Rose Mallow)
Swamp Rose-Mallow, Pink Swamp Hibiscus, Large-flowered Hibiscus, Velvet Hardy Mallow, Hibiscus grandiflora
Noted for its huge flowers, Hibiscus grandiflorus (Swamp Rose Mallow) is a showy herbaceous, shrub-like, perennial boasting very large hollyhock-like flowers, up to 6-10 in. across (15-25 cm), with 5 overlapping petals in white or pink, and a sharply contrasting reddish-purple throat surrounded by yellow stamens. Blooming from the axils of the leaves in early spring to late summer (depending on geographic location), the blossoms open by day and close at night. They last about 1-2 days, but new flowers open each day in rapid succession throughout the bloom season. The showy flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. But even without these gorgeous blooms, this plant is worth growing for the handsome foliage of alternate, velvety, heart-shaped, gray-green leaves, 10 in. long (25 cm). Endemic to the swamps, marshes and ditches, of the southeast U.S., Swamp Rose-Mallow is excellent for wetland gardens, bogs or pond areas.
- Grows up to 6-15 ft. tall (180-450 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm).
- Thrives in full sun in organically rich, acidic to neutral, wet soils. Tolerates part shade, but best flower production and disease resistance occur in full sun. Tolerates standing water.
- Great flowering plant as a specimen, in groups, along streams or ponds, in bog gardens or in native plant gardens. Can be grown in containers too.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Propagate by seed sown in the spring.
- Native to the southeastern United States.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Hibiscus |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 6' – 15' (180cm – 4.5m) |
Spread | 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
By Steve Bower, Shutterstock
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Hibiscus |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 6' – 15' (180cm – 4.5m) |
Spread | 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 48" (90cm – 120cm) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |