Swamp Rosemallow
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

This is a shrub-like, herbaceous to somewhat woody plant that grows to 6-9' tall and wide, developing an upright-rounded form. Fast growth rate.

Native Range

U.S. Native — Native to the fresh and brackish wetlands and marshes of southeast United States, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Flower and Fruit Details

Huge, 6-10" pink flowers have 5 round-tipped, light pink petals and deep red to purple throats surrounded by many stamens, blooming all summer, which attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Flowers occur singly, and nod slightly. Songbirds enjoy the hairy seedpods (dehiscent capsules) atop the tall stalks through the winter.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Leaves have felty, gray undersides, but are light green on top. Leaves are alternate, 3-lobed and deeply toothed along the margins. No significant fall color.

Culture and Care

Needs full sun to light shade, and acid soil (pH 5.6-6.5). Needs constantly moist to wet conditions. Very durable under adverse conditions. Zones 6-9. May freeze to the ground, but come back in the spring to bloom in colder climates. A winter mulch around the base of the plant will help. Resistant to Japanese Beetles.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Good wildlife value. 3-season interest: Spring, summer and fall.

Suggested Uses

Grows well at the edges of swamps, ponds, streams, and ditches, as well as in soils where de-icing salts have been used nearby.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA