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colorful fall leaves of rhus aromatica
Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Lo’ (Fragrant Sumac) Photo © Mary Free
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Hibiscus moscheutos (Swamp or Eastern Rose-mallow)

Hibiscus moscheutos leaves in June
Hibiscus moscheutos buds in July
Hibiscus moscheutos unfurling flowers
Erect peduncle (.4–2.75" long) with solitary flower of Hibiscus moscheutos (swamp rose-mallow) bends as bud opens and elongates with fruit. A peduncle with an unfertilized flower abscises just above its upper leaf axil.
Hibiscus moscheutos flowers in July
Hibiscus moscheutos by water in July
Hibiscus moscheutos flower with pollen-covered bumble bee in August
Hibiscus moscheutos capsules in February
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Southern Belle' capsules in March snow

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Hibiscus moscheutos Tried and True Native Plant Selections Swamp or Eastern Rose-mallow for the Mid-Atlantic While each of its flowers lasts only a day, Swamp Rose-mallow can be covered with up to 20 striking, saucer-shaped blooms at a time. This stately perennial is native* to wet areas like marshes, riverbanks, and moist meadows and woods scattered around the eastern United States. Perennial Plant, Flower, Seed Capsules Height: 3–7 feet Spread: 4–9 Bloom Color: White to pink with crimson eye Characteristics Shrubby, herbaceous perennial with multiple upright, sturdy stems from a single crown Large, alternate, ovate to lanceolate, toothed leaves, green above and stellate-canescent below Large, 5-petaled flowers (epicalyxes present), each with staminal column (anthers to the sides) surrounding style w/ 5 stigmas bloom July to Sep Brown loculicidal capsules persist through winter Spreads by seed capsules that can float on water Attributes Tolerates wet soil, heat, humidity, and drought after establishment; no serious pests or diseases; deer occasionally severely damage Winter interest of dried seed capsules Attracts bees, butterflies, hummers; larval host for ~29 lepidopterans Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Rich to average Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade Excellent Replacement for Canna indica - Canna Lily Hibiscus syriacus - Rose of Sharon Water Requirements: Moist, (occasionally) Wet Site away from wind and with good air circulation Pinch growing tips 4–8 inches for bushy plants and deadhead individual flowers; trim** dead stems to 12–24” so native bees can nest in hollows *In the Mid-Atlantic Region, it is native to DC, common in the Coastal Plain of DE and MD, and present in the southeast and southwest of PA. In VA, it is common in the Coastal Plain, frequent in the Piedmont, and infrequent in the mountains. In NoVA, it is not reported in Arlington County. **Learn more about Garden Cleanup for Pollinators: Trim Perennial Stems in Their First Winter. Use in pollinator and rain gardens, moist borders, containers, and by ponds Hardiness: USDA Zones 4a–9b developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Mary Free, Green Spring Gardens and by Elaine Mills (capsules), Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Tried and True Native Plant Selections
 for the Mid-Atlantic

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Hibiscus moscheutos (Swamp or Eastern Rose-mallow)

While each of its flowers lasts only a day, Swamp Rose-mallow can be covered with up to 20 striking, saucer-shaped blooms at a time. This stately perennial is native* to wet areas like marshes, riverbanks, and moist meadows and woods scattered around the eastern United States.

*In the Mid-Atlantic Region, it is native to DC, common in the Coastal Plain of DE and MD, and present in the southeast and southwest of PA. In VA, it is common in the Coastal Plain, frequent in the Piedmont, and infrequent in the mountains. In NoVA, it is not reported in Arlington County. You can view the VA counties in which it has been reported here.