5 Things To Know About Rose Mallow
Whether you call it rose mallow, hardy hibiscus, dinner-plate hibiscus or swamp mallow, this perennial is an excellent choice to brighten up the summer garden. It can be grown as a focal point in the landscape or as a lush flowering hedge.
The options are vast with varieties ranging from 6-7 feet (1.8-2.1 m.) tall to just 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m.) tall at maturity. The oversized flowers feature ruffled petals in all shades of pink, red, magenta, white, and bicolor, some with dark centers or intense veining atop leaves that are green to dark wine purple.
If you’re looking to try your hand at growing one of these spectacular plants, let's look at the 5 things you need to know about growing rose mallow.
1. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9
Even with its tropical look and feel, this tough perennial is very hardy growing in the North to the Southern states and in between Including the east coast, midwest to northwest.
However, this plant can often be confused with its cousin, the tropical hibiscus. When shopping for a rose mallow, be sure to double-check and confirm you are purchasing the right species of hibiscus for the right location.
2. Prefers Moist Soil
While this plant can do well in most types of soil, it prefers soil that is moist or wet. Given the alternative common name of swamp mallow, it is well suited to a moist area on the property where it may be difficult to grow other types of plants. It can even be planted near water features and ponds.
For rose mallow to reach its fullest potential for bloom, provide it with full sun, or at least six hours per day.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
3. Attracts Unwanted Pests
Some of the most common insect pests are attracted to the foliage and flowers of the rose mallow including aphids, spider mites, thrips, whiteflies and Japanese beetles. The larvae of the sawfly are especially fond of this plant. This army of small green caterpillars will feast on both the upper and lower leaves resulting in lacy foliage.
4. Late to Break Dormancy
Rose mallow is one of the last perennial plants to emerge from the ground in the spring. Some varieties may wait until the beginning of summer to begin growth.
Even though they are late to break dormancy, their vigorous growth rate makes up for their late arrival.
Cut the plant back to just a few inches above ground in early spring before new growth appears. The stems will be somewhat woody so a strong pair of loppers or even a small pruning saw may be needed.
5. Short-Lived Blooms
The tropical looking flowers of the rose mallow lasts only a day or two, but are quickly replaced by new blooms.
If you are tempted to cut a bouquet of these exquisite flowers, don’t. They are not suited for life in a vase.
The dinner-plate sized flowers, even though they are short lived, are loved by butterflies and hummingbirds. Plus, they're often ignored by grazing deer.
Companion Plants
Hardy hibiscus is also friendly with other perennial plants that love sun and moist soil. Mix and match the following plants for spring to fall blooms:
- White Turtlehead
- Swamp Milkweed
- Japanese Iris
- Meadowsweet
- New England Aster
- Switch Grass
- Joe Pye Weed
Amy Draiss, Digital Community Manager at Gardening Know How since 2021, seamlessly blends her hands-on gardening experience with a digital green thumb. With roots in family landscaping and management at a garden center, Amy has cultivated expertise in plants, supplies, and customer relations. Residing in the Midwest, Amy tends to her two-acre haven, showcasing a diverse range of trees, shrubs, and perennials. As the Hydrangea Queen, she shares her love for these blooms and imparts gardening wisdom through videos and social media. Beyond gardening, Amy enjoys quality time with her family, travel, and theme parks. Amy's mission is to inspire and advise plant enthusiasts, fostering flourishing gardens for both seasoned and budding gardeners alike.
-
5 Plastic Products To Avoid In Your Garden – And How You Can Embrace Plastic Reduction
The less plastic we use, the healthier our planet will be. Here are some big plastic gardening products to avoid, plus some alternatives.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
8 Small Trees For Front Yards – Boost Curb Appeal Without Dominating The House
Discover the best small trees for front yards, which make an impact in multiple seasons without overshadowing the rest of the yard.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Time To Transplant Peonies: Why Fall Is The Best Time To Move Peonies, And How To Do It Right
If you want the healthiest peonies, replanting is a great way to boost longevity. Here’s why fall is the best time to move peonies, and how to transplant them correctly.
By Tonya Barnett
-
7 Hydrangea Care Mistakes To Avoid If You Want Stunning Blooms
Hydrangeas are heroes of the summer garden, but these common care errors will stunt plants' growth potential and result in poor flowering.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
8 Fast-Growing Ground Cover Plants – Hide Bare Soil And Curb Weeds
Ground cover plants are the ideal solution to green up bare patches of soil. These fast-growing varieties will add a professional look to your landscaping design in no time.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Time For Peony Trimming: When To Cut Back Peonies For Longer Lasting Plants
You may love peonies, but do you know when to get busy with the snippers? Find out when to cut back peonies, as our expert advice points you in the right direction
By Tonya Barnett
-
6 Common Peony Diseases: How To Identify, Prevent & Treat Them
Peony diseases can ruin blooms and even be fatal to these typically long-lived plants. That’s why it’s important to learn how to identify, prevent, and treat problems before they cause lasting damage.
By Laura Walters
-
Types Of Peonies Every Gardener Should Know
Knowing the different types of peonies helps when you want your garden to include these fabulous plants. Showy and always impressive, peonies are an elegant addition.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Orchid Care: How To Grow Happy, Healthy Plants Indoors
Growing orchids as houseplants is such a rewarding hobby. Learn their unique care needs to keep plants thriving and bursting with flowers.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
What to Plant After Spring Bulbs Have Died Back – 8 Stunning Ideas
When spring bulbs die back they leave unwelcome gaps and fading foliage in their wake. But with some clever planting choices, this can be concealed. Discover the best options to take their place for beautiful beds all season long.
By Mary Ellen Ellis