Hibiscus syriacus (shrubby rose-mallow): Go Botany (2024)

FAQs

Hibiscus syriacus (shrubby rose-mallow): Go Botany? ›

Shrubby rose-mallow (aka "Rose of Sharon") is a tall, gangly shrub with lobed leaves and showy, pink-red flowers. This species is the national flower of South Korea, and is native to Asia. In North America, many cultivars are grown with variants of petal color and bloom time.

Similar to other perennial plants, rose mallow usually dies back completely to the ground in winter. However, cut back the stems to a few inches in height in late fall or early spring, and you'll see new shoots emerge when the weather warms again.

Perennial forms of hibiscus, commonly known as rose mallow, are derivatives of native wildflowers that grow naturally in sunny, swampy areas from Minnesota to Florida, zones 4-9. Several species can be found in the wild, the most common of which are Hibiscus moscheutos and Hibiscus coccineaus.

Where to Plant Rose Mallow Seeds. Rose Mallow thrives in full sun conditions. While it can tolerate Partial Shade as well, this can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms. Choose rich, well-draining soil that has been amended with organic material, such as manure or compost.

Rose mallow does, however, have medicinal value, according to traditional sources, including soothing of the skin, treatment of dysentery, lung ailments and infections of the urinary tract.

It spreads through rhizomes and seeds but is easily managed and maintained in the garden. Rose mallow benefits from upright support as the younger stems are more delicate, so it is best to grow it with other upright plants, such as graceful cattail, Typha laxmannii, or to stake it.

Tropical hibiscus – typically grown as tropical plants and can only be grown outside year round in zones 9-11, suiting tropical garden ideas. Hardy hibiscus – as the name suggests they are cold-tolerant down to -20°F and as such can be left outdoors during the winter.

Rose mallow is a large perennial that takes up a lot of room. Even varieties that are considered “dwarf” grow at least three feet tall and wide, with standard-sized rose mallow growing 4-6 feet tall and wide.

Pruning your Swamp Rose-Mallow is not a date to be marked on the calendar with a red circle. Instead, think of it as a seasonal rendezvous, ideally in late winter or early spring. This timing is crucial; it's the sweet spot that encourages vigorous growth and ensures a kaleidoscope of blooms in the coming months.

Water Hibiscus modestly during the winter rest period so that the root ball is only slightly moist. You do not need to fertilize your Rose Mallow at all while it is inside over winter. You can steadily increase watering in spring and feed the shrub every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer for potted plants.

What is the difference between rose mallow and Rose of Sharon? ›

Rose Mallow tends to be white and red; Rose of Sharon, considered a woody shrub, has smaller pink, lavender and purple blossoms. Because of their easy growth habit, there are many new rose mallow and rose of sharon cultivars being offered.

It is a potential food plant for the caterpillars of several butterflies, including the Gray Hairstreak, Common Checkered-skipper, and Painted Lady.

Rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) is a large, fast-growing, cold hardy relative of Rose of Sharon, (Hibiscus syriacus), native to southeastern US swamps and wetlands. It has 6-8 inch flowers that entice bees and butterflies and are an asset to perennial garden borders.

Locate the plant in full sunlight. Although rose mallow tolerates partial shade, too much shade may result in leggy plants that are more susceptible to insect infestations. Allow at least 36 inches (92 cm.) of growing space between each plant.

Rose mallow is a native perennial plant with white or pink flowers that bloom from mid-summer through early autumn.

Pruning your Swamp Rose-Mallow is not a date to be marked on the calendar with a red circle. Instead, think of it as a seasonal rendezvous, ideally in late winter or early spring. This timing is crucial; it's the sweet spot that encourages vigorous growth and ensures a kaleidoscope of blooms in the coming months.

Rose Mallows and Swamp Mallows need little pruning. Leave the dead stems and seed pods until late winter (unless re-seeding is a problem in your garden) as the stems look nice during the winter when covered in frost and snow and the seeds are a winter food source for birds.

Malva is the ancient Latin name for "mallow," used by Pliny and derived from the Greek name Malachi, "to soften," in reference to its emollient qualities. Description of mallow: Mallow is a bushy perennial with stout stems growing to 4 feet.

If your hibiscus has dull medium green heart shaped leaves, dinner plate sized white, pink or red flowers with HUGE, bomb shaped buds (2-4" in length!), it is a perennial, hardy hibiscus. Hardy hibiscus need very little care over the winter, they are root hardy to about zone 5 with no protection.