In plant nomenclature the use of common names can be misleading. The common name for one of the most magnificent fall blooming beauties, the confederate rose, is neither a rose nor a confederate. The perennial hibiscus, Hibiscus mutabilis, is native to southern China. It has acclimated to the southern United States since its appearance during colonial times.
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As a member of the Mallow family of plants the confederate rose is kin to cotton, okra, hollyhock and rose of Sharon. With the naked eye the closest clue to family resemblance is the rounded flower buds resembling a cotton boll. In fact cotton rose is another nickname for this hibiscus. Rose mallow is yet another alias.
Legends surrounding the name, confederate rose, claim the plant was ubiquitous in southern gardens during the 1800s. After the Civil War, the poverty stricken southerners planted it in confederate cemeteries because it was easy to find and to propagate.
The large vertically stretching shrub or multi-stemmed tree stands on its own as a unique specimen for the fall garden. Plant stems reach skyward to heights of 8-15 feet bearing lobed foliage resembling large maple leaves. The fall flower show starts in September.
Single or double flowers measuring 4 to 6 inches in diameter open and gradually mutate petal color from white to pink to rose as they age. The species name ‘mutabilis‘ means changeable. Flower form is reminiscent of bourbon roses or camellias but without fragrance.
The plant is very easy to grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 7-11. Confederate rose prefers a full six hours of sun per day and rich organic well-drained slightly acidic soil. Hibiscus thrive on compost including decomposed manure.
After blooms and stems die back from frost in fall, stems should be cut down to 4-6 inches. A mulch of leaves, bark or pine straw will protect the roots and crown during winter.
This hibiscus likes high humidity but will grow in dry areas provided the roots receive adequate water. In extended drought periods watering is advised to reduce stress.
The ease in which the confederate rose reproduces from stem cuttings or seed makes it a popular passalong plant in the south. Cuttings should be at least pencil thick and 12-15 inches long. After stripping off the leaves, place cuttings in tall jars of water near east windows or under grow lights.
A white root system will emerge in 4-6 weeks. By 8 weeks the cuttings are ready to be placed in pots of soil in a protected area and watered regularly until transplanting to the garden in April. They will bloom the first year. If you start cuttings before the first frost, they will be rooted and ready to give as gifts at holiday time.
Hibiscus can be started from seed in spring or fall. Collect the seed from the dry brown papery seed capsule in fall and sow directly into the ground or save seed to start indoors in January for transplanting outdoors in spring. Some gardeners soak seed in warm water overnight to hasten germination.
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