General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, floodplains, and riverbanks
Native States: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana
Growing Zones: 7-10
Size at Maturity: 3-8 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
Phenology: Deciduous
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Upright, bushy
Bloom Season: Summer to fall
Bloom Color: Pink
 
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Texture: Moist, well-drained soils, prefers sandy or loamy soils
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Moist to wet, prefers consistently moist soil
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low
Keystone Plant: No
 
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Wetland restoration, water gardens, border plant, rain gardens, butterfly and hummingbird gardens
Maintenance Tips: Keep consistently moist, prune back after blooming to maintain shape
Considerations: Requires a damp, fertile soil environment for best growth; may not tolerate prolonged drought
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
 
Other Information
Edible: No
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used by Native Americans to treat ailments such as fever, inflammation, and digestive issues
Florida Native Companion Plant: Blue Flag Iris (Iris virginica), Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Wildlife Benefit: Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Supports native bees (including the Rose-mallow Bee which is a Hibiscus specialist), beetles, etc.
Caterpillar Host Plant: Swamp rose mallows attract many pollinators. It is the larval host of Gray Hairstreak, Painted Lady Butterfly, Common Checkered Skipper and Tropical Checkered Skipper butterflies. It’s also the larval host plant for four moths: Pearly Wood Nymph, Yellow Scallop Moth, Io Moth, and Delightful Bird-Dropping Moths. 
Propagation: Seed, cutting, division
 
Swamp Rosemallow is an attractive, showy plant ideal for wetland or rain garden settings. Adds a dramatic visual impact in damp landscapes. It also provides valuable nectar for pollinators.