Image of Hibiscus moscheutos
Source: Atrian
image of Flowering plant
Hibiscus moscheutos
Swamp Rose-mallow
Ketmie des marais

Obsolete Names

crimson-eyed rose-mallow
eastern rose-mallow
Seeds available at table Mixed Sun, Wet
We currently accept seeds for this plant
Bloom colour: Pink Bloom period: Jul - Sep
Max Height: 5.0 feet
Max Width: 3.0 feet (spreads by rhizome)
Light condition:
Full sun More than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Part shade More than 2 or 3 hours but less than 6 hours of direct sun a day
Soil conditions:
Moisture medium Tolerates medium soil condition
Lifespan: Perennial plants that will that come back year after year
Gardener Experience:
does not spread Does not spread uncontrollably
plant self seeding Self-seeding
Landscape uses:
wetland garden Suitable for wetland garden
school garden Suitable for school gardens
Ecological Benefits:
Hummingbird friendly Supports hummingbirds
Pollinator garden Supports pollinators
butterfly host Butterfly host
Tolerates:
Salt Tolerant Tolerates salt conditions
limestone Tolerant Tolerates limestone conditions
juglone Tolerant Tolerates juglone conditions
Special Features and Considerations:
plant endangered This plant is endangered

Plant Location

Native to Ottawa region: No

Distribution according to VASCAN

Distribution: Hibiscus moscheutos
Ephemeral Native Introduced Excluded Extirpated Doubtful Absent
View taxonomy on Canadensys

View on iNaturalist

Thrives in Ecozones

  • Mixed Wood Plains

Ecological Benefits

Butterflies Supported by Hibiscus moscheutos

  • Eudryas unio (Pearly Wood Nymph)

Specialized Bees Supported by Hibiscus moscheutos

No bee data available for this plant.

Plants that grow in similar conditions, that bloom at the same time.

Complementary Plants

Substitute For Non-Native Plants

  • Hibiscus (Non-Native Hibiscus)

Sowing Information

Download Sowing Label (PDF)
  • Sowing depth: Sow just below surface
  • Sow by February
  • Stratification duration: 60 days
  • Self-seeding

Harvesting and Seed Sharing

  • Harvest start month: August
  • Harvesting indicator: Pods are slightly open and seeds inside are dark
  • Harvesting mean: Cut stem (including pods), let air dry in paper bag, then shake seeds off after a few days
  • Seed viability test: No test needed before donating
  • Packaging measure: 1 rounded 1/32 teaspoon
  • Seed storage: Air dry in paper bag or open container, for a few days until crisp, shaking seeds to move them once in a while to prevent molding
  • At least one cultivar: Yes, do not donate unless you know source, and there are no known cultivars in your garden or at proximity
  • No harvesting video available at this time.

Toxicity Notes

Inadequate information on toxicity found.