Swamp Rosemallow
(Hibiscus grandiflorus)
Swamp Rosemallow (Hibiscus grandiflorus)
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© Gary Leavens
CC BY-SA 4.0
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© Gary Leavens
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by: © Gary Leavens | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: garyleavens | Publisher: iNaturalist |

























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Hibiscus grandiflorus, commonly known as Swamp Rosemallow, is a woody perennial herb native to freshwater marshes, wet pine flatwoods, and the edges of ponds and lakes in the southeastern United States and western Cuba. It typically grows to an average height of 6 feet but can reach up to 15 feet in optimal conditions. The Swamp Rosemallow has a striking appearance, with large, showy flowers that are pink to white and feature a prominent reddish-purple center, often exceeding 6 inches in diameter. The blooming season is from late summer to fall, and the flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as hummingbirds.
Swamp Rosemallow is valued for its large, ornamental flowers and is used in water gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized areas where its moisture requirements can be met. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist to wet soils with good organic content. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it may require staking in garden settings due to its tall growth. The plant can spread by both seeds and rhizomes, potentially becoming aggressive in ideal wetland conditions. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to self-seed and spread if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Swamp Rosemallow is valued for its large, ornamental flowers and is used in water gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized areas where its moisture requirements can be met. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist to wet soils with good organic content. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it may require staking in garden settings due to its tall growth. The plant can spread by both seeds and rhizomes, potentially becoming aggressive in ideal wetland conditions. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to self-seed and spread if not managed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 6-15 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Freshwater marshes, wet pine flatwoods, and the edges of ponds and lakes
Other Names
Common Names: Swamp Hibiscus , Large-flowered Hibiscus , Rose Mallow
Scientific Names: Hibiscus grandiflorus , Hibiscus urbanii
GBIF Accepted Name: