Hibiscus moscheutos / Swamp rose mallow

Commonly known as hardy hibiscus, its showy, dinner plate-sized flowers last only a few days but new flowers open each day in rapid succession over a long July to September bloom period. Essential for the Rose-mallow bee and a host plant for nearly 30 species of butterflies and moths, swamp rose mallow both attracts hummingbirds and feeds songbirds with its seeds.

Requires moist soil, works well in our rain garden. Preferred native alternative to the non-native, invasive Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus).

Zone: 5-9