Confederate Rose Hibiscus mutabilis

A large shrub or multi-stemmed tree in the Malvaceae family, this plant has broad green foliage and showy flowers. Its leaves drop in the winter leaving unremarkable thin stems behind, but when the leaves emerge in the summer, softly hairy leaves impart a coarse texture that gives the plant a distinctive eye-catching appeal. The flowers open white and change color over a three-day period until they are deep pink and then as they die assume a dark "blue-pink" hue. Flowers of three distinct colors appear on the shrub simultaneously. Single and double-flowered varieties are available, both having quite large blossoms that are 3-5 in (8 - 13 cm) across. After flowering a round, hairy capsule forms that dries and releases fuzzy seeds, a trait that inspired one of the plants common names, rose cotton, as the buds resemble the boll of that famous member of the hibiscus family.

Prune this plant in the winter after bloom. Severe pruning to the ground can rejuvenate leggy plants. It propagates by cuttings that root easily. When this plant is in bloom it is always in great demand at local garden centers as it is such an unusual and beautiful flowering tree. It makes an excellent choice for a specimen plant but can also hold its own in a mixed shrub border. 

Seasons of Interest:

Leaves: Early Summer, bright green Bloom: Late Summer/Early Fall Fruit/Seed/Nut: Fall, Fuzzy pod and seeds

Wildlife Value:   Members of the genus Hibiscus support the following specialized bee: Ptilothrix bombiformis.

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