Scarlet Rose Mallow is a vigorous perennial that commands attention with its brilliant scarlet flowers from June through September, growing 3 to 6 feet tall in Zones 6 through 9. Native to marshes and swamps, this woody-based hibiscus produces showy, 5-petaled blooms up to 5 inches across, each with a dramatic prominent staminal column that draws hummingbirds and butterflies. The deep green, palmately compound leaves create an elegant backdrop for months of nearly continuous flowering, and unlike many ornamentals, it thrives in wet soil and tolerates both summer heat and humidity.
36
Partial Sun
Moderate
6-9
72in H x 36in W
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Moderate
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Those scarlet, hollyhock-like flowers really are the star; they bloom prolifically from midsummer into fall and reach 5 inches across with a striking central column. The plant thrives in conditions where many ornamentals struggle, particularly in rain gardens and wet spots that would challenge other perennials. Tall enough to anchor a border yet narrow enough for contained spaces, it's also magnetically attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, turning your garden into a living refuge for pollinators.
Scarlet Rose Mallow shines as a specimen plant for rain gardens and water-adjacent landscapes where its native affinity for wet soil becomes an asset rather than a limitation. Its tall, dramatic form and long bloom season make it excellent for the back of perennial borders, and its deer resistance means it can anchor a garden plan without protective measures. The prolific flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the growing season, making it invaluable for pollinator gardens and naturalized plantings.
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Sow seeds indoors in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Start seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost to allow seedlings time to develop before transplanting.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost when soil temperatures have warmed and nighttime temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart to allow for the plant's mature spread.
Prune in early spring before new growth emerges to maintain shape and encourage bushier, more compact growth. Remove any winter-damaged wood and thin out crossing or overcrowded canes. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the bloom season encourages continued flowering. In Zone 6, cut the plant back to 6 to 12 inches above ground in late fall after frost or in early spring, as the woody base will regenerate from underground crowns.
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