The scarlet rosemallow (Hibiscus coccineus Walter) is native to the southern U.S; its range is limited mostly to the Gulf plain. Growing from five to 10 feet tall, it is an herbaceous perennial found in marshes, along streams and in sunny gaps on the edges of swamps.

The scarlet rosemallow blooms in summer; each flower lasting only a day. The flowers have five petals and a multitude of stamens is arranged around the five stigmas. Seeds are produced in five-parted capsule which dries to a papery brown. The seeds are slow to germinate unless scarified with a file or pin before planting.

The scarlet rosemallow’s leaves are palmate, typically with 5 lobes, but may range from 3 to 7. When the plant is not blooming, it bears a resemblance to that horticultural no-no, hemp (Cannabis sativus). As one friend found out, it pays to have the plants tagged when a state patrolman pulls one over.

 

(Compiled from: “Hibiscus”, Hortus Third, Staff L.H. Bailey Hortorium, NY State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Macmillan, NY, 1976; “Hibiscus coccineus”, Edward F. Gilman, FactSheet FPS-253, IFAS, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, 1999)