Red Rose-Mallow

Hibiscus coccineus

$16.00 $12.80 Sale

| Hardiness Zones 6-10

Hibiscus coccineus, commonly known as Scarlet Rose Mallow or Texas Star Hibiscus, is a strikingly beautiful, tall perennial native to the wetlands and swamps of the southern United States. This ornamental hibiscus is truly a showstopper in any garden, thanks to its bold, deep red flowers that measure 3-5 inches in diameter, featuring long, extended stamens that add a dramatic flair. The large, star-shaped flowers appear from mid-summer through early fall, offering a burst of vibrant color during the hottest months of the year.

The finely dissected, palmate leaves resemble those of a maple or even marijuana, giving this plant a unique, tropical appearance. Despite its bold look, Hibiscus coccineus is surprisingly hardy and adaptable, thriving in a variety of settings beyond its native wetlands. It grows naturally in very wet sites such as along streams, ponds, and swamps, but it can also be cultivated in any well-drained garden soil, as long as it receives plenty of sunlight.
Plant Specs
  • Zones: 6 - 10
  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Soil: Moist, Well-drained, and Average
  • Height at Maturity: 8 - 10 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 3 - 5 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Dies back
Flower/Foliage

The flowers of Hibiscus coccineus are truly spectacular, measuring 3 to 5 inches in diameter and boasting a vibrant, scarlet-red hue. These star-shaped blooms have five elongated, slightly overlapping petals that create a striking contrast against the plant's deep green, maple-like foliage. The petals have a delicate, silky texture, which gives them a lustrous appearance in sunlight.

One of the most distinctive features of Hibiscus coccineus flowers is their extended, showy stamens. The staminal column protrudes prominently from the center of the flower, with bright yellow anthers that stand out against the vivid red petals, adding to the plant's dramatic appeal. The flowers are not only visually stunning but are also attractive to pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making them a lively addition to the garden.

Blooming from mid-summer through early fall, Hibiscus coccineus provides long-lasting color during the peak of the growing season. Each flower typically lasts only one day, but the plant continuously produces new blooms over several weeks, ensuring a sustained display of color. The bold red flowers create a tropical, exotic look, making them perfect for adding a vibrant focal point to borders, water gardens, or sunny landscapes.

Showy, bright crimson, summer
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Sunlight: Full sun is essential for the best flowering, though it can tolerate some light shade.

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but adapts to average garden soil.

Watering: Thrives in consistently moist conditions but can tolerate drier soils once established.

Winter Care: In colder zones, apply a layer of mulch in late fall to protect the roots.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.