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 rosemallowpurple marsh rose mallow
see moresea hollyhock
swamp rose mallow
rose mallow
Synonyms
Hibiscus moscheutos subsp. palustrisHibiscus palustris
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
Get involved
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