Red Swamp Rose Mallow - Hibiscus moscheutos

Red Swamp Rose Mallows (Hibiscus moscheutos) are multi-stemmed, herbaceous, woody perennials that are native to the eastern United States and naturally grow along creek banks and wetlands. Red varieties including ‘Lord Baltimore’ are bold and have intensely bright red, gigantic flowers that strongly contrast with their rich green foliage.

These shrub-like perennials are fast growing with an upright habit reaching 7 ft in height with a spread of 5 ft. Due to their leggy nature, it is best to plant individuals in an area with shelter, as wind can damage these plants. The leaves of these shrubs are alternate, ovate, and a lush bright green in color.

Plant Details - Red Swamp Rose Mallow

Family: Malvaceae

Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9

Light Requirement: Full sun

Water Needs: High

Height: 4 - 7 ft

Spread: 3 - 5 ft

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: Mid to late summer into early fall

Flower Color: Deep red to crimson, depending on the cultivar

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

The Latin name ‘moscheutos’ means ‘musk-scented’ and the flowers of the Swamp Rose Mallows indeed have a musky aroma. The flowers are pinwheel-like and huge, reaching up to 8 in in diameter. 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.

Red Swamp Rose Mallows look similar to a Hollyhock; however, they are not related. Interestingly, the flowers and leaves of these impressive shrubs are edible. As it is in the mallow family, it is mucilaginous and makes a wonderful addition to salads and soups. These shrubby plants 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. Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to red varieties for their natural color.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Red Swamp Rose Mallow

They prefer full to partial sun locations and consistently moist to wet soils that contain silt, loam, sand and organic material. These plants will bloom more fully in full sun locations which will also encourage them to be more disease resistant.

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

Noteworthy Characteristics

Showy blooms, attractive to pollinators, grows in wet environments.

Plant these shrubs in your garden and enjoy incredibly impressive red blooms that give your garden a tropical ambience summer after summer. Shop for Red Swamp Rose Mallow shrubs 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

Red

Height at Maturity

Over 10 Feet

Care

Red Swamp Rose Mallow thrives in damp, well-drained soil and benefits from frequent watering, especially during dry periods. Mulch helps keep soil moisture and keep weeds at bay. Prune finished blooms to promote new growth and maintain shape.

Plant Reproduction

Red Hibiscus spreads via seeds, cuttings, and root division

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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