How to Grow and Care for Swamp rose mallow

Swamp rose mallow, also known as Crimsoneyed rose-mallow, Eastern rose-mallow, Swamp hibiscus, Marshmallow hibiscus, Mallow rose

Swamp rose mallow is a robust perennial that thrives in moist to wet soils and full sun exposure. A special care point for swamp rose mallow is ensuring consistent moisture, especially in dry periods, without causing waterlogging. Deadheading spent flowers promotes additional blooming. Swamp rose mallow is considered easy to care for, needing minimal maintenance once established in the right conditions.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Swamp rose mallow

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil pH	5.5-7
Planting Time	Spring, Early summer, Fall, Early winter
Hardiness Zones	5-8

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Varieties of Swamp rose mallow

Swamp rose mallow 'Southern Belle'

Swamp rose mallow 'Southern Belle' creates bell-shaped blooms that open up into huge, dinner-plate-size white or light pink flowers (approximately 25 to 30 cm wide). This shrub is considered more cold hardy than other species of hibiscus plants and can regrow from its base each year. Gardeners typically use this plant as an eye-catching addition to their collection.

Swamp rose mallow 'Ballet Slippers'

Swamp rose mallow 'Ballet Slippers' is a cultivar from the hibiscus family bred for its long blooming season and giant, showy flowers. The ruffled flowers can grow up to 18 cm wide, noticeably larger than the blooms on other plants in the genus. It also produces more flowers in the summer. Swamp rose mallow 'Ballet Slippers' gets its name from the pinkish-white flowers that are similar in color to a dancer's shoes.

Swamp rose mallow 'Fireball'

The unique foliage and brightly-colored blooms of swamp rose mallow 'Fireball' make this cultivar stand out from its plainer parent plant. The reddish- burgundy flowers are striking against the cut-leaved foliage which also has a burgundy tint. The vibrant flowers and striking foliage makes it a popular plant in flower gardens.

Swamp rose mallow 'Robert Fleming'

Swamp rose mallow 'Robert Fleming' is a standout hibiscus with huge red flowers that reach 25 cm wide. This contrasts with the paler flowers of the parent plant, which can reach 15 cm wide. This hibiscus is named for one of the three Fleming brothers, who were noted American flower hybridizes in the 19th Century.

Swamp rose mallow 'Luna Red'

Swamp rose mallow 'Luna Red' is distinct for its red flowers with white stamens. The cultivar is named Swamp rose mallow 'Luna Red' for its big, moonlike shape and the color of its blooms, which also differentiate it from its parent plant. Gardeners appreciate this plant for its hardiness, as it is capable of surviving harsh winters, as well as the beauty of the large flowers it produces all summer long.

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More General Info About Swamp rose mallow

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Swamp rose mallow boasts striking, dinner-plate-sized blooms measuring 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) across. These vibrant flowers are most notable for their overlapping petals in white, pink, red, or burgundy and a distinct central eye. The plant’s robust stature ranges from 2 to 6 feet (60 to 180 cm) in height and 2 to 5 feet (60 to 150 cm) in width, featuring a woody base and hairy stems. Alternating, ovate to lanceolate leaves are green with a whitish, hairy underside. Brown seed capsules follow the floral display, each 1 to 1.25 inches (2.5 to 3.2 cm) long.