Scarlet Hibiscus

This is the white flowering version of Scarlet Hibiscus 

Hibiscus coccineus, also known as Scarlet rosemallow, is an herbaceous to semi-woody perennial wildflower that is common along wetland and stream edges, and in swamps and other wet, open sites. In late summer, it produces large, crimson blooms that remain open for only one day. Scarlet rosemallow is a profuse bloomer, however, and will typically produce many flowers throughout the summer. Like other plants with deep red flowers, it is very attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators.

Scarlet hibiscus flowers are large (4 to 8 inches in diameter) with five bright red petals, a five-lobed green calyx, and linear bracts. Flowers are born in leaf axils. Leaves are glabrous, palmate and deeply lobed with long petioles. Margins are toothed, and leaf arrangement is alternate. Stems and petioles may be reddish. Seeds are born in ovoid five-celled capsules. Each cell may contain many seeds.

The genus name Hibiscus is from the Greek hibiskos, or “mallow.” The species epithet coccineus is from the Greek kókkinos, meaning “scarlet red.”

Family: Malvaceae (Mallow family)

Hardiness: 6–10
Lifespan: Perennial
Soil: Moist to wet or inundated, rich soils; can be acclimated to well-drained soils with enough moisture
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Growth habit: 3–7’+ tall with 2–5’ spread
Propagation: Seed, cutting