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Swamp hibiscus

Name: Swamp hibiscus
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMGR1
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Common name Swamp Rose Mallow

Latin name Hibiscus moscheutos

Quantity per packet Minimum 25 seeds

This outstanding perennial attracts a remarkable diversity of pollinators throughout summer with its nectar-rich flowers. It also contributes to biodiversity in wetlands and natural gardens.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameSwamp Rose Mallow

Latin nameHibiscus moscheutos

FamilyMalvaceae

TypePerennial flower

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 25 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0025

Product
description

Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) is a spectacular perennial that brings a true tropical look to Canadian gardens while being perfectly suited to moist habitats. Its enormous pale pink to vivid pink flowers open successively from July through September and quickly become the focal point of borders, riparian plantings, and rain gardens. Despite its exotic appearance, this hardy perennial returns reliably year after year when planted in the right site. It also attracts a wide range of bees, butterflies, and sometimes hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens.

Swamp Rose Mallow thrives in full sun and rich, fertile soil that remains consistently cool to moist. It performs especially well in loamy to clay soils high in organic matter, as well as near ponds, vegetated ditches, rain gardens, and shoreline plantings. Regular watering encourages vigorous growth and abundant flowering, particularly during hot summer weather. Once established, Hibiscus moscheutos develops a strong crown that produces new flowering stems each year, becoming increasingly impressive over time.

In the garden, Swamp Rose Mallow pairs beautifully with moisture-loving perennials such as Northern Blue Flag Iris, Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Cardinal Flower, and Sneezeweed. Together, these plants create lush, colorful, biodiversity-rich displays throughout summer. Its late-season bloom extends ornamental interest into autumn, while its flowers provide a valuable resource for pollinators. With its exceptional visual impact, reliable hardiness, and strong ecological value, Hibiscus moscheutos is an outstanding plant for wet landscapes, ornamental gardens, and naturalistic plantings throughout Canada.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or spring after cold stratification

Best time

Autumn or spring

Sowing depth5 mm (0.2 in)

Spacing / density

90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in)

Germination temperature20 to 24 °C (68 to 75 °F)

Germination time5 to 10 days

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by dividing mature clumps. Both methods produce vigorous flowering plants.

Growing
method

Sow Swamp Rose Mallow seeds in autumn or spring after cold stratification. Plant the seeds about 5 mm (0.2 in) deep in a rich growing medium kept consistently moist. Temperatures between 20 and 24°C (68 to 75°F) encourage rapid germination, usually within 5 to 10 days. Young plants thrive in full sun and fertile, organically rich soil. As plants mature, they develop strong crowns that produce increasingly impressive flowering stems each year. Once established, Swamp Rose Mallow becomes one of the most spectacular plants in any pollinator or rain garden.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun

Soil

Rich, fertile loamy to clay soil that remains consistently moist. This species performs best in organically rich soils.

Soil pHAcidic to neutral

Watering

Provide regular, abundant watering, especially during hot, dry weather. This species thrives in consistently moist soil and even tolerates shoreline conditions.

Fertilization

Apply a generous layer of mature compost each spring to encourage vigorous growth and abundant flowering. Organic amendments are generally sufficient to maintain excellent performance.

Care levelModerate

In spring, cut the previous year's stems back to ground level before new shoots emerge. Throughout summer, maintain consistently moist soil, as this species thrives in rich, damp conditions. Organic mulch helps retain moisture and protects the roots during hot weather. Leave the stems standing through winter to naturally protect the crown before cutting them back the following spring. This perennial becomes larger and more floriferous each year.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

40 to 60 L (10 to 16 gal)

Swamp Rose Mallow can be grown successfully in a large container of at least 40 to 60 L (10 to 16 gal) to accommodate its vigorous root system and impressive size. Use an organic-rich growing medium that retains moisture without becoming stagnant. Place the container in full sun and water regularly throughout the growing season. Container-grown plants bring spectacular tropical flowers to patios and terraces while attracting a wide variety of pollinators.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its enormous tropical-looking flowers combined with outstanding hardiness make Swamp Rose Mallow one of the most spectacular perennials for Canadian gardens. It adds dramatic beauty while actively supporting pollinators.

This outstanding perennial attracts a remarkable diversity of pollinators throughout summer with its nectar-rich flowers. It also contributes to biodiversity in wetlands and natural gardens.

Garden use

Swamp Rose Mallow is an exceptional perennial for pollinator gardens, rain gardens, shoreline plantings, and landscapes surrounding ponds. Its giant flowers create a spectacular tropical effect while remaining fully hardy in Canadian climates. It combines beautifully with Joe-Pye Weeds, Northern Blue Flag Iris, and Cardinal Flowers to create lush, colorful plantings that support pollinators through late summer.

Bloom period

Huge flowers bloom successively from July through September, creating a spectacular display in moist gardens. Their tropical appearance contrasts beautifully with the plant's exceptional hardiness.

Flower colorPale pink to deep pink

Foliage colorDark green

Harvest

Harvest seed capsules from September to October once fully mature. Flowers may also be cut for floral arrangements.

Fruiting

Seed capsules containing numerous seeds mature after flowering in late season.

Wildlife appealHummingbirds, bees, and butterflies

Size
and facts

Height1 to 1.75 m (3.3 to 5.7 ft)

Spread90 to 120 cm (36 to 48 in)

Growth rateFast

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 4–9

Minimum temperature-34°C (-30°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Colibristrue

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Pet friendlytrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Northern Blue Flag Iris, Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Cardinal Flower, Sneezeweed

Avoid planting with

Lavender, Cotton Lavender, Blanket Flower, Sedum

Recipe
and inspiration

Swamp Rose Mallow is grown primarily for its spectacular ornamental flowers rather than culinary use. Although parts of the plant have been used in traditional North American herbal practices, its greatest value today lies in its extraordinary floral display and ecological importance. The enormous blooms attract a wide range of pollinators and also make excellent cut flowers for floral arrangements.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Swamp Rose Mallow seeds? +

Swamp Rose Mallow seeds can be sown in autumn or spring after cold stratification. This treatment generally improves germination and seedling vigor.

Why is Swamp Rose Mallow so popular? +

Its enormous flowers, often exceeding 20 cm (8 in) across, create one of the most dramatic displays of any hardy perennial. Few plants combine such tropical beauty with exceptional cold hardiness.

Does Swamp Rose Mallow attract pollinators? +

Yes. Its large pollen-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and sometimes hummingbirds throughout the blooming season.

Can Swamp Rose Mallow be grown near ponds or water gardens? +

Absolutely. Swamp Rose Mallow thrives in rich, consistently moist soils and is perfectly suited to pondsides, rain gardens, riparian plantings, and other wet landscapes.

Does Swamp Rose Mallow require a lot of maintenance? +

Once established, Swamp Rose Mallow requires relatively little maintenance. Simply keep the soil consistently moist and remove the old stems each spring.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.