Rose Mallow
Hibiscus moscheutos
Rose mallow flowers bloom from mid-summer through early autumn. Above, rose mallow blooms in the freshwater wetlands of Jug Bay Natural Area on Aug. 4, 2018. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program) For noncommercial use contact the Chesapeake Bay Program
Rose mallow grows in tidal marshes and wetlands, mostly in the coastal plain. Above, rose mallow blooms in the freshwater wetlands of Jug Bay Natural Area on Aug. 4, 2018. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program) For noncommercial use contact the Chesapeake Bay Program
Swamp rose mallow blooms in the freshwater wetlands of Jug Bay Natural Area on Aug. 4, 2018. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Rose mallow is a native perennial plant with beautiful white or pink flowers that bloom from mid-summer through early autumn.
Appearance
The rose mallow has white or pink hibiscus flowers with five petals. The flowers have a deep pink or burgundy center with a yellow stamen and grow to 6 to 8 inches in diameter. They bloom from mid-summer through early autumn. The rose mallow's leaves are green and wedge-shaped with velvety undersides; the leaves can grow to 8 inches in length. The plant has round stems with tiny hairs and a broad, round base. Rose mallow grows to 7 feet tall.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
About one month after flowering, seed capsules mature and turn brown. Seed pods eventually split open, allowing seeds to scatter.
Did You Know?
- The rose mallow is also known as the swamp mallow, marsh mallow and marsh hibiscus.
- It has been used medicinally in the form of tea to treat digestive and urinary tract inflammations.
- There are many rose mallow cultivars that come in various colors, such as hot pink and ruby red.
Sources and Additional Information
- Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- PLANTS Database: Hibiscus moscheutos – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Hibiscus moscheutos – The University of Texas at Austin
- PlantFiles: Rose Mallow, Swamp Mallow – Dave’s Garden
Quick Facts
Species
Native
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Size
7 feet tall
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Habitat
Grows in fresh, brackish and salt marshes and wetlands. Prefers full to partial sun.
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Range
Found mostly in the coastal plain of Maryland and Virginia; also grows in the upper Piedmont Valley.
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Status
Stable