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 copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes".
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.
-
Looking For Full Sun Container Plants? Try These Gorgeous Plant Combos And Themes
There are plenty of heat-tolerant plants that thrive in containers – but if you’re stuck for ideas, these full sun container plants and planting ideas will help get you started
-
Is Your Orchid Epiphytic? Why It Matters – And How To Tailor Care For The Best Blooms
With quirky aerial roots and exotic flowers, epiphytic orchids are unlike any other houseplant. Find out how to care for them and why they're worth the effort.
-
Hydrangea Landscape Uses – 5 Beautiful Ideas To Try In Your Yard This Year
Hydrangeas can add a vibrant element to your garden and there are numerous landscape uses for these blooming beauties. Gorgeous hydrangea ideas abound!
-
Best Blue Hydrangeas: Stunning Blue Hydrangea Varieties For A Sapphire-Studded Garden
Whether you’re a mophead or a lacecap lover, blue hydrangea varieties present breathtaking profusions of cool, lush floral displays. Here are 5 of the best to try
-
Which Invasive Shrubs Should You Avoid Growing? Plus, Best Natives To Plant Instead
Certain plants may look lovely but they can wreak havoc to local areas and native wildlife. Here are the key invasive shrubs to avoid – with recommendations on gorgeous native alternatives to try
-
Pruning Limelight Hydrangea Bushes For Bigger Blooms & Stronger Plants
Pruning 'Limelight' hydrangea will benefit the shrub. Flowers will be more bountiful the next year and branches will be stronger. Learn how and when to prune.
-
What’s Wrong With Your Azaleas? Identify, Tackle And Prevent 6 Common Azalea Pests
If you’ve spotted signs of azalea leaf damage, don’t panic – here’s how to identify the most common azalea pests so you can take action swiftly and keep plants healthy
-
Native Hydrangea Varieties In North America – 8 Sensational Smooth And Oakleaf Varieties For Hardy Blooms And Multi-Season Beauty
Hydrangeas are beloved for their enduring visual dynamics – but if you go native, they’re even better. Here are the most captivating native hydrangea varieties you can grow
-
Grow These 8 Pretty Peony Colors To Include In Your Garden For A Spectacular Spring Rainbow
There are as many shades of peony as there are types of garden – each more gorgeous than the last. Discover some of the most exhilarating peony colors for your yard
-
Grow ‘Karl Rosenfield’ Peony Plants For The Ultimate Frilly Border Beauties And Cut Flowers
For frilly double magenta peony petals infused with a heady fragrance, grow ‘Karl Rosenfield’ peony plants. Here’s how to cultivate the ultimate plushy blooms