Hibiscus laevis

Common Names

Rose Mallow, Halberd-Leaved Rose Mallow, Halberd-Leaved Hibiscus, Scarlet Rose Mallow, Smooth Rose Mallow, Showy Hibiscus, Halberd-Leaved Marsh-Mallow, Thin-Leaved Hibiscus, Hibiscus Militaris

Summary

Hibiscus laevis is a herbaceous perennial native to eastern and central North America. It grows 4–6 feet tall with a 2–3 foot spread on erect stems, and features three-lobed halberd-like leaves up to 6 inches long. Large five-petaled flowers up to about 6 inches across have white to pink petals with a maroon throat, opening from midsummer into fall and lasting a day. The plant occurs naturally in wetland habitats such as along streams, ponds, and swamps, forming a moisture-loving presence in borders or native plantings.

For cultivation, Hibiscus laevis prefers organically rich, medium to wet soils in full sun or partial shade, with full sun giving the best flowering. It tolerates heat and humidity as long as soils remain consistently moist and is hardy in USDA zones 4–9. The plant is deer-tolerant and well suited to rain gardens, wetlands plantings, borders, cottage gardens, or native plant gardens, with propagation by seed and ornamental value in water-related landscapes.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-6 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun, Tolerates Partial Sun and Partial Shade

Soil Type

Moist, loamy, organically rich soil that is well-draining yet moisture-retentive, with a slightly acidic pH of 6.0–6.8.

Soil Drainage

Moist to wet soil that remains continuously moist

Soil pH

6.0-6.8 (slightly acidic)

Bloom Color

White to Pink

Bloom Time

Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Golden yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow to develop in spring, rapid growth in warm summer weather, vigorous growth when properly cared for

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators