Woolly Rosemallow

(Hibiscus lasiocarpos)

Woolly Rosemallow (Hibiscus lasiocarpos)

Annika Lindqvist

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Annika Lindqvist

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Hibiscus lasiocarpos, commonly known as Woolly Rosemallow, is a deciduous perennial herb or subshrub native to a variety of habitats including riparian zones, marshes, wet woods, prairies, and plains across the Southeastern United States, California and into Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 3-7 feet and a width of 2-3 feet. The plant is characterized by its large, bushy form with sprawling stems that can reach lengths of one to two meters. The flowers are particularly showy, featuring large, bright white petals up to 10 centimeters long with distinctive red bases, blooming in the summer months. The sepals are partly fused and accompanied by slender bracts, which may be covered in hairs or woolly fibers, giving the plant its common name.

Woolly Rosemallow is valued for its large, attractive flowers and is often used in naturalistic plantings, such as in rain gardens or as part of a pollinator-friendly garden. It is also suitable for wetland restoration projects. This species thrives in full sun and requires medium to high amounts of water, preferring soils with medium drainage. While it is relatively easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to rust and fungal leaf spots. Gardeners should be aware that in some areas, it may self-seed and spread, requiring control measures to prevent unwanted naturalization.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrubs
Height: 3-7 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium, High
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Variety of habitats including riparian zones, marshes, wet woods, prairies, and plains

Other Names

Common Names: Rosemallow , Crimsoneyed Rosemallow , Marshmallow

Scientific Names: Hibiscus lasiocarpos , Hibiscus californicus , Hibiscus lasiocarpos var. occidentalis , Hibiscus moscheutos subsp. lasiocarpos , Hibiscus moscheutos var. lasiocarpos , Hibiscus leucophyllus , Hibiscus platanoides , Hibiscus langloisii , Hibiscus lasiocarpos var. californicus , Hibiscus moschatus subsp. lasiocarpos , Hibiscus moschatus var. lasiocarpos

GBIF Accepted Name: Hibiscus moscheutos subsp. lasiocarpos (Cav.) O.J.Blanch.