Hibiscus Coccineus, also known as Scarlet Rosemallow and Swamp Rosemallow, is a water loving native that is hardy down to zone 6, yet still has the look of a tropical hibiscus. 


It is a native to the following states:

Florida

Texas

Alabama 

Mississippi 

Louisiana 

Georgia

North Carolina 

South Carolina

Virginia

Mississippi


There are other southeastern states it can be found in, primarily in marsh areas and near the coast, although not always the coast as it can be found near lakes and marshes in non coastal areas. 


The flowers are a deep scarlet with large stunning blooms, followed by a round seed pod. The leaves are deeply loved and slightly serrated, looking similar to leaves of a plant that will go unnamed 😂, but is easily distinguishable from that plant. Very pretty leaves that are dramatic and somewhat drapy and edged in a scarlet similar to the flower color.


It grows 4-8 feet tall, but in my experience, they typically are seen no taller than 8 feet. They will also tolerate drier soils and can therefore be planted in areas other than bogs, swamps and ponds, but they should be monitored closely to make sure they are getting adequate water. I have mine growing directly in a pond, in standing water.


It is the Larval host of  Gray Hairstreak, Painted Lady Butterfly, Common Checkered Skipper and Tropical Checkered Skipper butterflies and  four moths : Pearly Wood Nymph, Yellow Scallop Moth, Io Moth,  and Delightful Bird-Dropping Moths.

Attracts butterflies and  native bees (including the Rose-mallow Bee which is a Hibiscus specialist), beetles, etc. 


The plants are evergreen in zones 9+ and will return every sowing in zones 6-8. This is a plant with growing in your landscape, especially if your climate is a little cooler but you love that tropical look. 


Perennial zones 6-10


This is for 10 seeds