Hibiscus coccineus is a robust, upright, woody-based perennial that can grow from 3 to 6 feet tall. It boasts stunning, red, hollyhock-like flowers with five petals that are 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 plant's white flowers are quite 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 into the fall on sturdy stems with finely cut, rich green foliage. 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, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers if it receives too much shade. It can tolerate summer heat and humidity, but the soil should be moist throughout the growing season. This plant is somewhat drought-resistant once it is well-established in the garden.
