Hibiscus dasycalyx

Common Names

Neches River Rose-Mallow, Neches River Rosemallow

Summary

Neches River rosemallow is a Texas-endemic herbaceous perennial in the Malvaceae, native to open marshy areas in eastern Texas. It grows about 3–4 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide, with narrow deeply lobed leaves and solitary flowers featuring creamy white petals with a deep red basally accompanied by a pale pink to white staminal column and brown ovoid capsules containing reniform brown seeds; flowering occurs mid-June to mid-August and the plant attracts bees and butterflies.

For cultivation, it prefers full sun to part sun and consistently moist to wet soil, hardy in USDA zones 7–9 with tolerance of occasional frost with protection; suitable for moist borders, streams, ponds, or rain gardens, with medium maintenance and regular watering plus mulch for moisture retention. Seed propagation may hybridize with related Hibiscus species, and ex-situ conservation and reintroduction efforts are underway to safeguard genetic diversity.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-4 feet

Spread

2-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial sun.

Soil Type

Moist to wet, rich hydric alluvial or seasonally wet alluvial soils, pH 6.0–7.5, tolerates loamy, sandy, or clay textures.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, consistently moist soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.5, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering (air layering)

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies