Halberdleaf Rosemallow
(Hibiscus laevis)
Halberdleaf Rosemallow (Hibiscus laevis)
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Yann Kemper
Public Domain
Image By:
Yann Kemper
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Yann Kemper | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Yann Kemper | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-08-13T17:39:27-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Hibiscus laevis, commonly known as Halberdleaf Rosemallow, is a herbaceous perennial native to wetlands, marshes, and the banks of rivers and lakes in central and eastern North America. It can reach a height of 8 feet and a width of 2-3 feet. The plant is characterized by its large, showy flowers that are creamy-white or pink, with a distinctive maroon or purplish pink throat. These blooms, up to 6 inches across, make a dramatic display from mid-summer to early fall, with each flower lasting only a day. The foliage is also attractive, with leaves shaped like a halberd—a medieval weapon—which gives the plant its common name.
Halberdleaf Rosemallow is valued for its striking flowers and ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. It is often used in water gardens, as a border plant, or in naturalized areas where its moisture-loving nature can be accommodated. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring full to partial sun and moist conditions. While it can grow in various soil types, including sand or clay, it thrives in soils with medium to slow drainage. Gardeners should be aware that although it is not aggressive, it can spread by reseeding. Potential problems include rust, leaf spots, and blight, but these are generally not severe. It is important to note that Hibiscus laevis is not tolerant of prolonged drought conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Halberdleaf Rosemallow is valued for its striking flowers and ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. It is often used in water gardens, as a border plant, or in naturalized areas where its moisture-loving nature can be accommodated. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring full to partial sun and moist conditions. While it can grow in various soil types, including sand or clay, it thrives in soils with medium to slow drainage. Gardeners should be aware that although it is not aggressive, it can spread by reseeding. Potential problems include rust, leaf spots, and blight, but these are generally not severe. It is important to note that Hibiscus laevis is not tolerant of prolonged drought conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetlands, marshes, and riverbanks in central and eastern North America
Other Names
Common Names: Scarlet Rose-Mallow, Smooth Rose-Mallow, Halberd-Leaf Rose-Mallow, Halberd-Leaved Rose-Mallow, Military Hibiscus, Sweating-Weed, Ketmie Lisse, Scarlet Rosemallow
Scientific Names: , Hibiscus laevis, Hibiscus militaris, Hibiscus hastatus, Hibiscus coccineus var. virginicus, Hibiscus virginicus, Hibiscus riparius,
GBIF Accepted Name: Hibiscus laevis All.