Alphabetical Plant Listing

Hibiscus moscheutos (Hardy Hibiscus)

Hardy Hibiscus, Swamp Rose Mallow, Rose Mallow, Crimson-Eyed Rose-Mallow, Marshmallow Hibiscus, Marsh Mallow, Sea Hollyhock, Hibiscus moscheutos subsp. palustris, Hibiscus palustris


Vigorous and robust, Hibiscus moscheutos (Hardy Hibiscus) is a tall, shrubby, woody-based perennial boasting huge hollyhock-like flowers, up to 8 in. across (20 cm), with spreading petals in white, rose or pink, sometimes with a sharply contrasting red or burgundy eye. Each flower has a conspicuous, protruding, creamy-white to pale yellow staminal column. Blooming from midsummer to early fall, the blossoms last about 1-2 days, but new flowers open each day in rapid succession until late in the season. At the peak of bloom, a large plant can produce 20 or more blossoms per day. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators. 28 species of butterflies and moths use this plant as a caterpillar host plant. But even without these gorgeous blooms, this plant is worth growing for the handsome foliage of large, heart-shaped leaves, 4-10 in. in length (10-25 cm), with toothed margins and white-hairy undersides. Hibiscus moscheutos is a strikingly showy North American species that has been a favorite garden perennial for decades.

  • Typically grows with an upright habit, up to 3-7 ft. tall (90-210 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 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. Prefers moist, organically rich soils, but can be grown in standing water, up to 6 in. (15 cm) deep.
  • Tolerant of heat and humidity. Site in locations protected from wind to minimize the risk of wind burn.
  • Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
  • Plant in shrub borders for dramatic summer blooms. Great flowering shrub along streams or ponds or in large containers.
  • Keep an eye out for leaf spots, blights, rusts, canker and Japanese beetles.
  • Cut down to near ground level in late autumn.
  • Propagate by seed or by division in spring.
  • Native to marshes, swamps, moist meadows and woods from Ontario and Massachusetts south to Ohio, Indiana, Alabama and Florida.

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).Read More

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Hibiscus
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 3' – 7' (90cm – 210cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ponds and Streams, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage

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Great Plant Combination Ideas with Hibiscus

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Andrew Cannizzaro, Flickr, 123rf

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 5 – 9
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Hibiscus
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 3' – 7' (90cm – 210cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ponds and Streams, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Hibiscus

Guides with Hibiscus

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