Crimsoneyed Rosemallow
Hibiscus moscheutos
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © joe_fish (iNaturalist #32021253)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Genus:
- Hibiscus
- Species:
- Hibiscus moscheutos
- USDA Symbol:
- HIMO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 240 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink, red
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Acontia delecta, Bagisara brouana, Chionodes hibiscella, corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), Io moth (Automeris io), straight lined mallow moth (Bagisara rectifascia)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), Ptilothrix bombiformis Moths:Rusicada privata
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, bees
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moisture-retentive loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers wetlands and marshy areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 30-60 days; sow on surface and keep moist at 20-25°C.
Pre-treatment: Single-step cold-moist stratification for temperate woodland species. for 60–120 days
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires scarification. | Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- North Creek Nurseries (nursery)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Ernst Seeds (seeds)
- Pizzo Native Plant Nursery (wholesale nursery)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)