Hibiscus coccineus

Hibiscus coccineus is a robust, upright, woody-based perennial growing from 3 to 6 feet tall. It boasts stunning, red, hollyhock-like flowers with five petals about 3 to 5 inches wide. These flowers bloom in the upper leaf axils of the plant during an extended period from mid-summer to early autumn. The White Texas Star is a pure white variant of this plant. The white flowers are striking and draw pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

The plant produces giant, snow-white, 6-inch pinwheel flowers throughout the summer and often on sturdy stems with finely cut, rich green foliage in the fall. Each flower features a prominent and showy center staminal column. Its hemp-like, palmately compound, deep green leaves are approximately 5 to 6 inches wide. Swamp hibiscus is another name for this plant because it originates from marshes and swamps in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

The plant grows best on medium to wet soil, in full sun to partial shade. It thrives in full sun or light shade; however, if it receives too much shade, it may become leggy and produce fewer flowers. It can tolerate summer heat and humidity, but the soil should be moist throughout the growing season. Once it is well-established in the garden, this plant is somewhat drought-resistant.

Height: 6'-8'
Spread: 3'-5'
Bloom: June-September
Light: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium, High
Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Origin: Texas, Southeastern U.S.