Hibiscus grandiflorus (Swamp Rose Mallow)

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.