Hibiscus coccineus
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Hibiscus semilobatus
- Phonetic Spelling
- hy-BIS-kus kok-SIN-ee-us
- Description
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Scarlet rose mallow is an herbaceous perennial in the Malvaceae (mallow) family. It is native to the southeastern United States and is sometimes called swamp hibiscus because it is native to marshes and swamps in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. It can grow 6 to 8 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide.
It can be grown outdoors in coastal and piedmont regions of North Carolina. Plant in locations with full sun to partial shade and with moist, occasionally wet soils. Propagation is through seed or stem cutting. This plant is slightly salt tolerant.
Flowers of red hibiscus mature in late summer to early fall and are very large and striking, up to 6 inches wide. The large, bold leaves add to the striking effect. It can be used in wet areas, such as beside ponds or in boggy areas.
Scarlet rose mallow is a large plant for the rear of the perennial border, mixed border, or courtyard. It is also effective when grouped in moist locations along edges of ponds and streams or in a rain or pollinator garden. This plant is susceptible to damage from deer. The flowers of the plant are attractants for hummingbirds, pollinators, and butterflies and are a wildlife food source.
Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: It has some susceptibility to blight, canker, rust, leaf spots, aphids, scale, whiteflies, and Japanese beetle. Taller plants may need staking.
VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- Mostly Native Vegetable, Herb and Pollinator Garden Pollinator Garden- Partial Shade Davidson County Demo Garden Four-Season Garden
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Hibiscus
- Species:
- coccineus
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeastern U.S.A., GA to FL
- Distribution:
- GA, FL
- Wildlife Value:
- Its flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Members of the genus Hibiscus support the following specialized bee: Ptilothrix bombiformis.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Wildlife Food Source
- Dimensions:
- Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herb
- Perennial
- Wildflower
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Radial
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- Showy center staminal column. Blooms in late summer.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Deep green, finely toothed
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Pond
- Riparian
- Small Space
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Pollinators
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Salt
- Wet Soil
