Hibiscus moscheutos Pink - Swamp Rose Mallow

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Pink' is a stunning variety of marsh hibiscus that produces large and vibrant pink flowers for a significant portion of the summer. The plant also boasts beautiful, decorative green, lobed foliage even outside of the flowering season. This magnificent perennial hibiscus prefers waterlogged soil and is an excellent choice for planting near water features or in large, very moist containers on the terrace.

Hibiscus moscheutos, also known as Hibiscus palustris, is a plant with a woody rootstock that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is similar to mallow and hollyhocks and grows in the marshes of the southern United States, where it can grow as tall as 2 metres (6 feet 7 inches). In our climate, it produces upright stems and forms a bush in late spring. Horticulturists love this plant and have developed many cultivars with larger flowers and increased floribundity.

One of the most beautiful cultivars is the 'Rose' variety. It grows into a bushy clump and can reach a height of 1.5 metres (4 feet 11 inches) and a spread of 1.2 metres (3 feet 11 inches) in a single season. The large, single flowers are satin-textured and have a bright colour that can measure up to 25 cm (9.8 in) in diameter. The colour is fresh and vibrant, combining the elegance of pure pink with slightly crinkled petals. The large leaves, sometimes toothed in this selection, are divided into pointed lobes and have a light green colour. They add ornamental value throughout the growing season.

The Marsh Hibiscus is a distinctive plant with large flowers that can be challenging to incorporate into a natural outdoor setting. Some people love it, while others find integrating it into their garden challenging. It can be a great addition to a contemporary or an exotic garden, especially one with a water feature or a terrace. The Marsh Hibiscus can withstand temperatures as low as -10/-12°C (14/10.4°F) but may not do well in cooler climates. It is ideal for saturated beds or the edge of a pond. It looks great when accompanied by other plants like Gunnera, Cannas, Ethiopian Arum, Rodgersia Chocolate Wings, or Colocasia Esculenta.