Native perennial • Huge tropical flowers • Wet-loving showpiece
Hibiscus moscheutos is a southeastern wetland native with enormous dinner-plate blooms in pinks, reds, and whites. Thrives in moist soils and full sun, making it a statement plant for pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and pond edges.
Full sun
Minimum 6–8 hrs
Strong blooms require bright conditions
More sun = bigger flowers + stronger stems.
Loves moisture
Thrives in wet, boggy soils
Handles average garden soil with irrigation
Great for rain gardens and pond edges
Much more tolerant of standing moisture than most perennials.
Soil
Clay, loam, or organic soils
Wet clay is perfectly acceptable
Avoid sustained drought
USDA Zones 5–9
Strong heat performance
Winter hardy with deep roots
Blooming
Mid-summer through fall
Massive “tropical” flowers
Supports:
hummingbirds
swallowtails
bees
giant pollinators
Attracts attention from across the yard.
Large upright perennial
4–7 ft tall
Broad leaves
Shrubby appearance in summer
Dies to the ground in winter, returns strong in spring
Stems die back completely
Do NOT assume it’s dead
New growth appears late spring (sometimes very late)
Avoid digging up before June
Practice extreme patience, worth it every time.
Depth:
Plant crown level
Spacing:
3–4 feet
Give this one room, it’s a sculptural native.
Rain gardens
Pond edges
Wet meadows
Native pollinator beds
Focal specimen
Tropical-looking native border
Wildlife gardens
Companion Plants
Pairs beautifully with:
Swamp Milkweed
Joe Pye Weed
Iris virginica
Rudbeckia
Liatris spicata
Eupatorium perfoliatum
High nectar value for hummingbirds and bees. Excellent habitat plant in wetland ecosystems. Supports large pollinators and late-season nectar needs.
Normal, don’t dig it up.
Needs more water.
Needs more sun.