Mature plants produce 20 or more flowers per day.

With its prolific, huge 6-9″ flowers, Swamp Rose Mallow, Hibiscus moschuetos, has earned the reputation as one of the showiest Illinois and Missouri native perennials. Creamy white to pink dinner plate-size blooms first appear in July, with blooming continuing into fall. Each flower has a prominent crimson eye that surrounds a fluffy center. The flowers are among the largest of our native perennials. Its flamboyant flowers only last 1-2 days but open continuously over a long time. Swamp Rose Mallow can produce 20 or more flowers per day. It is also known as Marsh Mallow, Crimson-eyed Rose Mallow, and Swamp Mallow.

A large, shrub-like perennial Swamp Mallow prefers moist to wet soil and a sunny location but will also grow in drier areas. The large 3-7′ plant can be kept smaller by pinching the growing tips. Its height makes it perfect for the rear of the perennial border. Plant it in mixed perennial gardens, native plant gardens, rain gardens, or naturalized areas. It’s fantastic grouped in moist locations such as along the edge of a pond or stream. Swamp Mallow tolerates heat and humidity, is deer-resistant, and is easy to grow.

Growing instructions: Grow in average, medium to wet soil in full sun. Tolerates some light shade, but full sun produces the best flowering and will keep the plant healthy. Although  Rose Mallow prefers moist soil throughout the growing season, it tolerates dry periods. If a smaller, bushier plant is desired, pinch off growing tips when it reaches 8″ and again when it reaches 12″. In late fall, cut the plant back to 4″ or so. The plant is one of the last perennials to emerge in spring, yet once it wakes up, it grows rapidly. For even more flowers, fertilize following the manufacturer’s instructions.