Hibiscus moscheutos (Swamp Rose Mallow)

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.

Light

• Full sun
  
  

• Minimum 6–8 hrs
  
  

• Strong blooms require bright conditions
  
  

More sun = bigger flowers + stronger stems.

 Water

• 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
  
  

Hardiness

• 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.

Growth Habit

• Large upright perennial
  
  

• 4–7 ft tall
  
  

• Broad leaves
  
  

• Shrubby appearance in summer
  
  

• Dies to the ground in winter, returns strong in spring
  
  

 Winter Dormancy

• 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.

Planting Notes

Depth:

• Plant crown level
  
  

Spacing:

• 3–4 feet
  
  

Give this one room, it’s a sculptural native.

Best Landscape Uses

• 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
  
  

 Native Value

High nectar value for hummingbirds and bees. Excellent habitat plant in wetland ecosystems. Supports large pollinators and late-season nectar needs.

⚠ Common Problems

Slow to emerge in spring

Normal, don’t dig it up.

Yellowing leaves

Needs more water.

Sparse blooming

Needs more sun.