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Herbaceous Perennial

Hibiscus moscheutos

common rose mallow

A tall, strong-growing herbaceous perennial with upright stems, woody at the base. The broad leaves have toothed edges and white hairs on the underside. Large flowers, up to 20cm across, have spreading petals in white, pink or pinky-red, sometimes with a dark eye

Other common names
crimsoneyed rosemallow
purple marsh rose mallow
see moresea hollyhock
swamp rose mallow
rose mallow
Synonyms
Hibiscus moscheutos subsp. palustris
Hibiscus palustris

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Pink Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Hibiscus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, trees, annuals or perennials, with simple or palmately lobed leaves and large, funnel-shaped flowers over a long flowering season

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S & E North America

How to grow

Cultivation

May be grown outdoors in mild, frost-free areas, or in large containers that can be moved indoors over winter. Outdoors, grow in neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun, and mulch well over winter. Hibiscus need long, hot summers to flower well. Indoors, grow in bright filtered light with moderate humidity and good ventilation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division in spring, or by softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Sub-tropical
  • Wall side borders
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1; little pruning is usually necessary

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse whitefly when grown under glass

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews

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