Hardy Hibiscus, Swamp Rose Mallow

Description

Cultural Information:

Swamp Rose Mallow is an easily grown shrub that colonizes moist areas easily.  Full sun is preferred.  Plant will die back to the ground (water level) in winter and sprout rapidly to form a clump the following year.  It is important to NOT cut back the dead stems in winter.  Water will infiltrate the crown of the plant and rot will occur. Leave stems in place and trim back once the new growth is 1’+ in the spring.

Associated Species: 

Most willow species including Sandbar and Black Willow.

Field Observations: 

Abundant flowers ranging from white or nearly white to a bright pink are borne in mid Summer.  Each flower lasts a single day. We noted this species commonly along route 33 south of Hocking County growing in wet fields under full sun.  We’ve also noted it along the Scioto River north of Prospect, OH growing along the west bank and on sandbars in the middle of the river.  Appears to like full sun but does well in shadier locations.   In the nursery our first year plants are easily at 4′ and some are over 5′.  I have not seen them taller than that in the field.