Hibiscus moscheutos

Common Names

Rose Mallow, Swamp Rose-Mallow, Swamp Mallow, Common Rose Mallow, Crimson-Eyed Rose-Mallow, Eastern Rose-Mallow, Sea Hollyhock, Purple Marsh Rose Mallow, Marsh Mallow, Marshmallow Hibiscus, Hibiscus

Summary

Hibiscus moscheutos, commonly called hardy hibiscus or rose mallow, is a tall, herbaceous perennial native to wetlands, marshes, swamps, riverbanks and moist meadows of eastern North America. It bears very large, dinner-plate–sized blooms (about 6–12 inches across) in white, pink, red, or burgundy, often with a dark eye, on upright stems. Leaves are broad and toothed; the plant typically reaches about 3–7 feet tall and 2–5 feet wide, and flowers appear from midsummer into fall, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Hardy to USDA zones 4–9, it dies back in winter and propagates easily by seed or division, with cuttings also possible.

Culture and uses: thrives in full sun with consistently moist to wet soil, tolerating marshy or pondside conditions and regularly moist organic-rich substrates. It is widely grown as a specimen or in borders, rain gardens, wetlands, or large containers; cultivars offer colors from white to pink to red and bi-colored patterns, often with a central eye. Regular deep watering, mulching over winter, and occasional pruning or pinching promote vigor, bushier habit, and extended blooming; propagation by seed, division, or cuttings is straightforward, and a long bloom period from midsummer to fall provides a dramatic, pollinator-friendly display.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-7 feet

Spread

24-48 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun (at least 6 hours daily); tolerates Partial Sun to Partial Shade

Soil Type

Moist, loamy, organically rich soil that stays consistently moist, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 6.0–6.5, tolerates 5.5–7.5)

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-6.5, Slightly acidic

Bloom Color

White, Pink, Red

Bloom Time

Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Green, with occasional purple or burgundy tones

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, other pollinators, and birds