Smooth Rose-mallow Hibiscus laevis

Halberd-leaved rose mallow is a rapidly growing perennial in the Malvaceae (mallow) family and is native to southeastern Canada and central and eastern United States.  The genus name Hibiscus means mallow in Latin and Greek, and the species name laevis means smooth referring to the leaves which are hairless.

It grows to a height of 4 to 6 feet and a width of 3 to 4 feet. It has erect green stems and large, showy, white or pink flowers. It is a relative of the okra plant and has a slimy mucilaginous sap. 

This plant prefers full or partial sun, fertile soil, and wet conditions and grows best in the coastal and piedmont regions of North Carolina where it bears fruit from August through October. Propagation occurs through seed planting. The plant tolerates pruning, but keep in mind that flowers will bloom on new growth.

Use in a pollinator, butterfly, or rain garden, along streams or ponds, or in wet areas of the cottage or native plant garden. It grows quickly in warm weather and works well in the back of a border, in wetland gardens, and woodland habitats. This heat-tolerant plant attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. It is browsed by white-tailed deer. It is a host plant for the larvae of the Gray hairstreak (Strymon melinus) butterfly as well as the Straight lined mallow (Bagisara rectifascia) moth.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.