Texas Star Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus), also known as Scarlet Rose Mallow or Swamp Hibiscus, is a slender, multi-branched perennial. Hardy in zones 7-10 and native to swamps, marshy areas and roadside ditches in the Southeastern United States, this hibiscus is known for its large red flowers, opening five to six inches in diameter. According to Dr. William C. Welch, Professor and Landscape Horticulturist at Texas A&M; University, Texas Star Hibiscus in classified as a giant rose mallow and has the largest flowers of any hardy perennial. The single, five-petal blooms last a day, with new flowers quickly taking their place.
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Both butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the red Texas Star Hibiscus blossoms. These flowers are an important source of nectar, especially for large butterflies, and the bright color and sheer quantity of blooms will attract hummingbirds to further explore your garden.
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, part of the University of Texas at Austin, states that Texas Star Hibiscus is one of our country’s loveliest native flowers. They are striking planted en masse next to a pond or water garden or, because they can grow up to 7 feet tall, at the back of a flower bed. Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart and water during dry spells to keep them flowering. One of the few pests associated with this hibiscus are grasshoppers, which can easily be picked off of the plants.
Texas Star Hibiscus can be rooted from cuttings, divided, or started from seeds. They will flower from seed the first year if started very early. It is best to mulch established plants before Winter; prune back old stems if they freeze and new growth will emerge in the Spring. They can also be cut and shaped before growth begins if they have become too leggy. Hibiscus coccineus prefers full sun or partial shade, and rich, moist soil. Although it will tolerate a variety of soils and conditions, Texas Star Hibiscus will bloom best when watered consistently, and can even be grown within a backyard pond.
The leaves of Texas Star Hibiscus are palmate, star-shaped and serrated, and have been mistakenly identified as Cannabis sativa. In a 2004 Houston Chronicle article, S.K. Bardwell reported a narcotics raid on a landscape contractor growing Texas Star Hibiscus. A neighbor called the police to report that the contractor was growing marijuana in his front yard, which turned out to be the legal native hibiscus.
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