Hibiscus moscheutos (common rose mallow) — perennial

Overview

Hibiscus moscheutos is a perennial in the genus Hibiscus, part of the Q156551 family. It typically grows around 2.5 m tall. Hibiscus moscheutos grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include wetlands, borders and naturalized areas. It is native to S & E North America.

About

Hibiscus moscheutos is a tall wetland perennial notable for its summer-to-autumn flowering. It typically reaches about 2.5 m and favours full sun. Plant in moist but well-drained soils such as sandy, loamy or clay. Flowering occurs from July to October.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hibiscus moscheutos

About the genus

Hibiscus is a genus of common flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. The genus is quite large, comprising several hundred species that are native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Member species are renowned for their large, showy flowers and those species are commonly known simply as "hibiscus", or less widely known as rose mallow.

Wikipedia contributors, "Hibiscus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hibiscus

In the garden

Hibiscus moscheutos is a perennial native to southern and eastern North America and is grown in the UK for its late-summer to autumn flowering. As a plant type it occupies a wetter-edge niche and is valued where a vertical, flowering presence is required through the latter half of the growing season. Place plants in full sun and give them reliably moist but well-drained soil; they tolerate sandy, loamy and clay types provided drainage is reasonable. The species is rated H6 for UK gardens, which translates to very hardy in most British conditions; it is also listed for USDA zones 6–9. Allow room for stems to develop upright growth to the plant’s mature height. Use Common Rose Mallow in wetland margins, at the rear of perennial borders or in naturalised areas where its height — up to about 2.5 m — will not shade smaller neighbours. Expect flowering from July to October, making it a late-season contributor to floral interest. Sit plants where their vertical habit can be seen from paths or patios, since the stems and blooms form a clear late-summer focal point.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hibiscus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Hibiscus moscheutos size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Height: 2.5 m
Suggested uses: wetlands, borders, naturalized areas
Native to: S & E North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hibiscus moscheutos

Cultivation: Prefers moist, rich soil; tolerates wet conditions; full sun for best flowering
Pruning: Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth
Propagation: Seed, division, softwood cuttings

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Hibiscus moscheutos?

Prefers moist, rich soil; tolerates wet conditions; full sun for best flowering.

Where is the best place to plant Hibiscus moscheutos?

Hibiscus moscheutos prefers full sun.

What soil does Hibiscus moscheutos need?

Hibiscus moscheutos is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.