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Hibiscus coccineus is often confused with:
Abelmoschus manihot Flower
Hibiscus hybrid
Native alternative(s) for Hibiscus coccineus:
Hibiscus laevis Flowers
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Clethra alnifolia Clethra alnifolia
Hibiscus moscheutos Native habitat
Viola sororia Viola papilionacea
Hibiscus coccineus has some common insect problems:
Aphids Found on Flowers and Foliage
Whiteflies Found on Flowers and Foliage
Japanese Beetle
Hibiscus coccineus has some other problems:
White-Tailed Deer

Hibiscus coccineus

Previously known as:

  • Hibiscus semilobatus
Phonetic Spelling
hy-BIS-kus kok-SIN-ee-us
Description

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 in Partial Shade Davidson County Extension Demonstration Garden Four-Season Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#full sun tolerant#rain garden#nectar plant#salt tolerant#stream banks#pond margins#specialized bees#summer flowers#deer browsing plant#herbaceous perennial#border planting#pollinator plant#native wildflower#courtyard garden#fantz#flowers late summer#small group plantings#wet soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#stormwater demo garden orange co#pollinator garden#wildlife friendly#collier preserve tn
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#full sun tolerant#rain garden#nectar plant#salt tolerant#stream banks#pond margins#specialized bees#summer flowers#deer browsing plant#herbaceous perennial#border planting#pollinator plant#native wildflower#courtyard garden#fantz#flowers late summer#small group plantings#wet soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#stormwater demo garden orange co#pollinator garden#wildlife friendly#collier preserve tn
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • 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