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Hibiscus moscheutos - L.

Common Name Swamp Rose Mallow, Crimsoneyed rosemallow, Wild Cotton, Common Rosemallow, Eastern Rosemallow, Swamp
Family Malvaceae
USDA hardiness 6-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Saline marshes and the shores of lakes[260].
Range Southern N. America - Massachusetts to Michigan, south to Alabama, Georgia and Florida,
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Hibiscus moscheutos Swamp Rose Mallow, Crimsoneyed rosemallow, Wild Cotton, Common Rosemallow, Eastern Rosemallow, Swamp


(c) 2010 Ken Fern & Plants For A Future
Hibiscus moscheutos Swamp Rose Mallow, Crimsoneyed rosemallow, Wild Cotton, Common Rosemallow, Eastern Rosemallow, Swamp
(c) 2010 Ken Fern & Plants For A Future

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: Pink, Red, White. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late summer, Mid fall. Form: Upright or erect.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Hibiscus moscheutos is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Although there are no reports of edibility for this species, most of the plants in this family have edible leaves and flowers[K]. The flowers are about 15cm in diameter[233], though in some cultivars they are up to 25cm in diameter[260]. They have a mild flavour and somewhat mucilaginous texture with a slight bitterness in the aftertaste[K]. The leaves are rather bland and are also mucilaginous, but have a slight hairiness to them which detracts a little from the pleasure of eating them[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Demulcent  Dysentery  Emollient  Urinary

The leaves and roots abound in mucilage[222]. Like many other plants in this family, they are demulcent and emollient and are used in the treatment of dysentery, lung ailments and urinary ailments[222]. an infusion of the dried stalks has been used in the treatment of inflammation of the bladder[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Specimen. Prefers a well-drained humus rich fertile soil in a sheltered position in full sun[200]. Well-suited to a water-side planting[200]. One report says that the plants are hardy in zone 5 (tolerating winter temperatures down to about -25°c), this same report also says that the plant succeeds outdoors in Britain only in those areas where winter temperatures do not fall below about -5°c[200]. Another report says that it needs to be grown in a warm garden in the warmer areas of Britain[233]. Plants of the cultivar 'Southern Belle' have been seen growing outdoors at Kew Gardens, they are situated on a south-east facing wall of the Temperate House and have been there for at least 3 years as of 2000[K]. A very ornamental plant[1], there are many named varieties[200]. Special Features:North American native, Wetlands plant, Attracts butterflies.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually rapid. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Some reports say that the seed can be sown in situ outside and that it gives a good rate of germination[78, 80, 113].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

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Botanical References

200274

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Subject : Hibiscus moscheutos  
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