Today I was delighted to see a late but large bloom from our new Swamp Hibiscus. A native plant of the southeastern United States, Hibiscus coccineus is also known as the Texas Star Hibiscus, probably due to its showy red star-shaped flowers.
I have had so much fun gardening this year. I’ve been gradually adding native plants here and there and we are continually rewarded by the seasonal variety. Clearly the black swallowtail butterfly agreed with our plant choice by visiting earlier this summer.
I found Hibiscus coccineus very easy to grow. Gardening with Swamp Hibiscus isn’t difficult particularly if you plant it near a pond or stream. It likes wet soils but will tolerate upland areas with some water monitoring during the brutal summer heat.
Swamp Hibiscus dies down to the ground in winter but sprouts out in the spring. First it delivers a shrubby 6 to 8 foot high architectural display of exotic palmate leaves that resemble Japanese Maple foliage.
By mid-summer, its fiery-red 6 inch blooms begin at its tips and gradually open down the stem. Take advantage of planting this carefree native herbaceous perennial in a sunny, focal point location such as near an entrance or patio. You are guaranteed to grab your guest’s fascination – and admiration!
Let me know in the comment area below, how successful you are in finding this Hibiscus in your local area.
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Thanks for your kind words. If you have any questions about other native plants for the southeast, just jot them down here and I’ll try my best to answer them. Take care.