Smooth Rose-mallow Hibiscus laevis
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Hibiscus militaris
- Phonetic Spelling
- hy-BIS-kus LAY-viss
- Description
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The Halberd-leaved Rose Mallow is a native perennial in the mallow family. It has erect green stems and large showy white or pink flowers. It is a relative of the okra and has a slimy mucilaginous sap. It grows quickly in warm weather and works well in wetland gardens and woodland habitats.
This plant prefers full or partial sun, fertile soil, and wet conditions. Use in the water or rain garden, along streams or ponds or wet areas of the cottage or native plant garden.
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 landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Hibiscus
- Species:
- laevis
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southeastern Canada, central and eastern U.S.A.
- Wildlife Value:
- This plant attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. It is browsed by white-tailed deer.
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Heat tolerant.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
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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 Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9a
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Description:
- Fruit displays from August to October. Large finely hairy seeds are carried by the water.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- White to pink flowers bloom from June to August and are 5 petaled with a deeper colored throat and up to 6 inches wide. Prominent long stamens in the center of the cup-shaped flower. Each flower lasts for a day.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Lanceolate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Lobed
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The green leaves are 3 lobed and up to 6 inches long and 4 inches across. Resemble the old fashioned halberd spear. The margins are serrate-crenate. The leaf shape can vary from 3-5 lobed or unlobed.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Round
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- The stems are terete and glabrous, branching sparingly
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Pond
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Moths
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Wet Soil
