Common Name: Smooth Rose-mallow

General Information

Hibiscus laevis is a vigorous herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 250cm tall[].
The plant is an ingredient of commercial cosmetic products. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Eastern N. America - Minnesota and Ontario to Pennsylvania, south to Texas and Florida

Habitat

Edges of freshwater lakes, larger, slow-moving streams, floodplain pools, wet roadside ditches, artificial ponds; at elevations up to 400 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Butterflies
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Hibiscus laevis is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -30°c when fully dormant[].
Best grown in organically rich, medium to wet soils in full sun. Tolerates some light shade, but full sun produces best flowering[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An extract of the flowers is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a warm greenhouse. Germination is usually fairly rapid and no special pretreatment is needed, although germination will be faster if the seed is abraded or soaked prior to sowing[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If growing them as annuals, plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and protect them with a frame or cloche until they are growing away well.