Summer is here.

Halberdleaf Rosemallow, Hibiscus laevis

NC State Extension: Hibiscus laeveis:
Common Name(s): Halberdleaf Hibiscus Halberdleaf Rosemallow Halberd-leaved Hibiscus Halberd-leaved Rose-mallow Scarlet Rose-mallow Smooth Rose-mallow

Halberd-leaved rose mallow is a rapidly growing perennial in the
Malvaceae (mallow) family and is native to southeastern Canada and
central and eastern United States. The genus name Hibiscus means
mallow in Latin and Greek, and the species name laevis means smooth
referring to the leaves which are hairless.

It grows to

a height of 4 to 6 feet and a width of 3 to 4 feet. It
has erect green stems and large, showy, white or pink flowers. It is
a relative of the okra plant and has a slimy mucilaginous sap.

This plant prefers full or partial sun, fertile soil, and wet
conditions and grows best in the coastal and piedmont regions of
North Carolina where it bears fruit from August through October.
Propagation occurs through seed planting. The plant tolerates
pruning, but keep in mind that flowers will bloom on new growth.

Use in a pollinator, butterfly, or rain garden, along streams or
ponds, or in wet areas of the cottage or native plant garden. It
grows quickly in warm weather and works well in the back of a
border, in wetland gardens, and woodland habitats. This
heat-tolerant plant attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and
other pollinators. It is browsed by white-tailed deer. It is a host
plant for the larvae of the Gray hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
butterfly as well as the Straight lined mallow (Bagisara
rectifascia) moth.

-jsq