Monticello Gardens

Common name: Rose Mallow, Syrian Mallow

Family: Malvaceae (Mallow)

Distribution: Eastern North America

Habitat: Prefers full sun to light shade and moist but well-drained soil

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Usage: Ornamental

Comments: Rose Mallow is an herbaceous perennial native to low, marshy sites in eastern North America. John Bartram sent seeds to England in the mid-1700's and Thomas Jefferson mentioned a number of hibiscus and mallows, including "Hibiscus moschentos," in his only published book, Notes on the State of Virginia (1782). The mid-summer flowers are 5-8" in diameter with pink (sometimes white) petals and often a reddish-purple eye.