Hibiscus moscheutos (Swamp Rose Mallow)

The showiest native wetland perennial in the catalog, swamp rose mallow's dinner-plate-sized blooms are a genuine hummingbird favorite, and it hosts the rose mallow bee (Ptilothrix bombiformis) - a specialist pollinator that visits almost exclusively this species and its close relatives.

Species Overview

Hibiscus moscheutos is a striking, wetland-loving perennial native to eastern North America. It grows 4 to 7 feet tall, with some of the largest flowers produced by any winter-hardy perennial - up to 6 to 9 inches wide - in shades of white, pink, or red, often with a contrasting maroon or crimson eye. A single large plant can produce 20 or more flowers per day at peak bloom.

Application

• Wetland restoration - tolerates permanent inundation up to 3 in.
• Rain gardens and stormwater management projects
• Riparian buffer and coastal plantings - tolerates salinity up to 15 ppt
• Pollinator and hummingbird habitat, including the specialist rose mallow bee

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Wet, saturated soils; tolerates permanent inundation up to 3 in. and salinity up to 15 ppt
• Plant Type: Forb
• Mature Height: 4-8 ft.
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: Pink, White; July-September
• Wetland Indicator Status: OBL (Obligate Wetland)
• Native Range: Eastern North America
• Hydrology: Wet
• Root Depth: Deep (24-36 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Moderate
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Drought Tolerance: Low
• Deer Resistance: Some
• Flood Tolerance: High - A classic wet-site perennial listed alongside confirmed wetland obligates like swamp milkweed, turtlehead, and blue flag iris; tolerates saturated to standing water.
• Shade Tolerance: Intolerant
• Growth Habit: Upright - dense, bushy mound
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Pollinator Value: Supports bees, supports specialist/oligolectic bees, supports hummingbirds

Planting Guidance

• Seed capsules float on water, which naturally facilitates seed dispersal in wetland settings.