Hibiscus coccineus - SCARLET ROSE MALLOW

If you need a big plant for a moist or wet spot in full sun in the warm south, Scarlet Rose Mallow may be perfect for you. If you live in a colder area and have a garden pond, don’t worry - we were growing this beauty in our pond in the cold 5a zone pocket for years!

Hibiscus coccineus is a robust, slightly loose-branching perennial that grows to 6 feet and has 3-5" bright scarlet flowers from mid-summer to fall that are irresistible to hummingbirds. Chop the old stems down to the ground each winter to keep it rejuvenated.

Can be grown in moist flower beds, wet areas, in shallow water, in ponds or along streams, cottage gardens, rain gardens, low maintenance gardens, road sides, wildlife or water gardens.

Pairs well with perennials like Asclepias incarnata, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Helianthus angustifolius, other perennial Hibiscus, water Irises, Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia siphilitica or Panicum virgatum.

Picture copyright: US Perennials nursery

Blooming Time: June to September
Size: up to 5-6’ tall x 2-3’ wide
USDA Zones: 6 to 9 (according to our experience, it can be grown in zone 5 in deeper water, where the roots won't freeze)
Culture: full sun, half shade, likes moisture but can grow in average garden soil or clay that doesn’t dry out too much
Moisture Needs: average, moist, wet, shallow water; mature plants can be planted in water up to 1 -1.5' deep
Origin: native wildflower that grows in swamps and wet areas of the Southeastern United States (see the USDA distribution map)
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes / yes
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: butterflies, native bees. Plants host the caterpillars of gray hairstreak and painted lady butterflies, as well as several moths and skippers.
Attracts Hummingbirds: yes
Pot Size: 3.5” x deep 5’’ perennial pot