Pink Swamp Rose Mallow - Hibiscus moscheutos

Pink Swamp Rose Mallow is a multi-stemmed, herbaceous, woody perennial. It is native to the eastern United States and naturally grows along creek banks and wetlands.

This shrub-like perennial is fast growing with an upright habit to reaching 7 ft in heigh with a spread of 5 ft. Due to its leggy nature, it is best to plant it in an area with shelter, as wind can damage the plant. The leaves of this plant are different, ovate, and a lush bright green in color.

Plant Details - Pink Swamp Rose Mallow

Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)

Hardiness Zones: 4–9

Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs: High

Height: 3–7 ft

Spread: 2–4 ft

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Bloom Time: Mid to late summer

Flower Color: white, pink, red, burgundy

Wildlife Value: Attracts a variety of pollinators

The Latin name ‘moscheutos’ means ‘musk-scented’ and this flower indeed has a musky aroma. The flowers are pinwheel-like and huge, reaching up to 8 in in diameter. Flower color vary with examples of bright white, pink and red. The center of the flower is often contrasting to the petals, creating an eye-catching feature. From the center, a strong staminal column emerges in a light yellow or creamy white. Each flower withers quickly after blooming however the flowering period persists for up to 1 month. Once pollinated, the seed capsules develop to be 1 in long.

The Pink Swamp Rose Mallow looks similar to a Hollyhock; however, they are not related. Interestingly, the flowers and leaves of this impressive plant are edible. As it is in the mallow family, it is mucilaginous and makes a wonderful addition to salads and as a soup thickener. This shrubby plant can be planted in the wettest area of your garden where other plants are difficult to establish. It is stunning when planted along stream or pond banks and the large showy flowers are attractive to pollinators.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Pink Swamp Rose Mallow

It prefers full to partial sun locations and consistently moist to wet soils that contain silt, loam, sand and organic material. This plant will bloom more fully in full sun locations which will also encourage the plant to be more disease resistant.

It is best practice to cut the plant back to ground level in autumn, since the flowers will appear on the new growth. It is pest- and disease-free and easy to grow.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Showy large flowers, suitable for wet soils, attracts pollinators

Plant this vibrant, woody perennial in your rain garden or along a water feature to enjoy its showy plate-like flowers year after year. Shop for Pink Swamp Rose Mallow online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Summer

Bloom/Foliage Color

Pink

Height at Maturity

Over 10 Feet

Care

Pink Swamp Rose Mallow thrives in moist, well-drained soil and needs frequent watering, particularly during dry periods. Fertilize early spring to encourage blooming, and prune back dead or damaged stems in late winter. It's tolerant of occasional flooding.

Plant Reproduction

Green Pink Hibiscus spreads through seeds and cuttings, forming clusters.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Shrubs

Bare root shrubs are a budget-friendly and efficient way to plant during the cooler months when they’re dormant. Before planting, soak the roots in water for 3–6 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a site with the appropriate light exposure for the species—most flowering shrubs prefer full to partial sun. Dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots and deep enough so the crown (where the roots meet the stems) sits level with the soil surface.

Mound a bit of soil at the bottom of the hole, spread the roots over it, and backfill with native soil while gently firming it to remove air pockets. Water deeply after planting to settle the roots. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the first growing season to encourage healthy establishment.

Mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly to remove any broken branches and to shape after the first flush of growth. With minimal care, bare root shrubs will leaf out beautifully and grow into reliable, long-term landscape anchors.

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