Rose Mallow
Hibiscus moscheutos

Rose mallow is a native perennial plant with white or pink flowers that bloom from mid-summer through early autumn.

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Rose mallow flowers bloom from mid-summer through early autumn. Above, rose mallow blooms in the freshwater wetlands of Jug Bay Natural Area on Aug. 4, 2018. (Photo by Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program) USAGE REQUEST INFORMATION The Chesapeake Bay Program's photographic archive is available for media and non-commercial use at no charge. To request permission, send an email briefly describing the proposed use to requests@chesapeakebay.net. Please do not attach jpegs. Instead, reference the corresponding Flickr URL of the image. A photo credit mentioning the Chesapeake Bay Program is mandatory. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way or used in any way that suggests approval or endorsement of the Chesapeake Bay Program. Requestors should also respect the publicity rights of individuals photographed, and seek their consent if necessary.

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Appearance

The rose mallow has white or pink hibiscus flowers with five petals. The flowers have a deep pink or burgundy center with a yellow stamen and grow to 6 to 8 inches in diameter. They bloom from mid-summer through early autumn.

The rose mallow's leaves are green and wedge-shaped with velvety undersides. Leaves can grow to 8 inches in length. The plant has round stems with tiny hairs and a broad, round base. Rose mallow grows to 7 feet tall.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

About one month after flowering, seed capsules mature and turn brown. Seed pods eventually split open, allowing seeds to scatter.

Did You Know?

  • The rose mallow is also known as the swamp mallow, marsh mallow and marsh hibiscus.
  • It has been used medicinally in the form of tea to treat digestive and urinary tract inflammations.
  • There are many rose mallow cultivars that people have bred for desired traits. They come in various colors, such as hot pink and ruby red.

Sources and Additional Information

Tags:
Plants & Trees Herbaceous Marshes & Wetlands