Hibiscus moscheutos, commonly known as Rose Mallow, is a striking native perennial wildflower found in wetlands, marshes, floodplains, and moist meadows throughout Illinois. It thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and full sun, making it ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and other water-adjacent landscapes.
This plant is renowned for its enormous, showy flowers, which can span 6 to 10 inches across. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, the flowers range in color from white to pink to deep rose, often with a contrasting maroon center. The foliage consists of large, coarsely toothed leaves, and the plant can grow 3 to 7 feet tall, creating a bold vertical presence in the garden.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Hibiscus moscheutos is a spectacular choice for adding late-season color and attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its seeds also provide food for birds. Though it appears tropical, it is hardy and well-adapted to the Midwest climate. This plant pairs beautifully with other moisture-loving natives like Cardinal Flower, Blue Flag and Joe-Pye Weed, bringing drama and ecological value to wetland and garden plantings alike.
Hibiscus moscheutos, commonly known as Rose Mallow, is a striking native perennial wildflower found in wetlands, marshes, floodplains, and moist meadows throughout Illinois. It thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and full sun, making it ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and other water-adjacent landscapes.
This plant is renowned for its enormous, showy flowers, which can span 6 to 10 inches across. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, the flowers range in color from white to pink to deep rose, often with a contrasting maroon center. The foliage consists of large, coarsely toothed leaves, and the plant can grow 3 to 7 feet tall, creating a bold vertical presence in the garden.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Hibiscus moscheutos is a spectacular choice for adding late-season color and attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its seeds also provide food for birds. Though it appears tropical, it is hardy and well-adapted to the Midwest climate. This plant pairs beautifully with other moisture-loving natives like Cardinal Flower, Blue Flag and Joe-Pye Weed, bringing drama and ecological value to wetland and garden plantings alike.
Bloom: mid-summer to early fall
Habitats: low soggy areas along rivers and ponds; marshes; open swamps
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to consistently moist
Plant type (height): forb (3 to 7 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: loam; some sand with organic material; silt
