Hibiscus lasiocarpos (Woolly Rose Mallow)

Vigorous, Hibiscus lasiocarpos (Woolly Rose Mallow) is an upright, herbaceous perennial boasting very showy flowers, up to 4-6 in. across (10-15 cm), adorned with 5 white or pale pink petals and a contrasting crimson center. Each flower has a conspicuous, protruding, creamy-white to pale yellow staminal column. Blooming from mid-summer to fall, the blossoms open for a single day, but new flowers open each day in rapid succession until late in the season. The flowers are a nectar source for butterflies and other insects and a pollen and nectar source for a variety of bee species. The specialist bee, Ptilothrix bombiformis, uses this plant as a primary pollen source to feed its larvae. The blooms are followed by densely-hairy fruit capsules containing spherical seeds. Velvety to the touch, the foliage of heart-shaped, toothed, and pointed leaves, 3-4 in. long (7-10 cm), is covered by soft, dense hairs. Native to fresh and brackish marshes of the southern and eastern United States, it can be found growing along stream banks, lake edges, wet ditches, marshes, and flooded fields. Best grown in natural landscapes, native plant gardens or wetland gardens.

• Typically grows with an upright habit, up to 3-7 ft. tall (90-210 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in average, medium to wet soils. Tolerates some light shade but best flower production and disease resistance occur in full sun.
• Tolerant of heat and humidity, but soil should be kept moist throughout the growing season. Will grow in standing water.
• Plant in perennial borders for dramatic summer blooms. Great along streams or ponds, or in rain gardens.
• Keep an eye out for blight, canker, rust, leaf spots, aphids, scale, whiteflies and Japanese beetle.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native to fresh and brackish marshes of the southern and eastern United States.