Remarks

Two southern native hibiscus suitable for the medium to high water-use garden. Large green leaves are superseeded by very large and showy flowers. H. moscheutos  is cold hardy and has some of the largest flowers, up to a foot across in red, rose and white, usually with a red eye. H. coccineus blooms scarlet 3 inch flowers -- not cold hardy but worth trying as a specimen container plant.

The first photo is of the scarlet or Texas Star or rosemallow, H. coccineus ; the second photo is a variety of Hibiscus moscheutos 'Midmight Marvel'.

Use in Garden

A higher water-use garden where showy flowers are desired, perhaps near a pond or other water source. A southern cottage garden where water supplies are ample and it is protected from the wind.

Maintenance

Prefers well amended soil, top dress spring and fall with an inch of compost.