Confederate rose is a large shrub or small multi-stemmed tree in the Malvaceae (mallow) family native to China and Taiwan. It grows well in the coastal and piedmont regions of North Carolina. The plant grows rapidly to 10 to 12 feet high and 8 to 10 feet wide, so consider its space requirements when determining its planting location. The genus name Hibiscus is Latin for mallow. The species name mutabilis is Latin for change, referring to the changing color of the flowers from white when they first open to light pink and then dark pink as they mature. Confederate Rose requires full sun and loamy soil with high organic matter. It can tolerate being occasionally wet. Prune this plant in the winter after its fall blooms fade. Next season's flowers will appear on new growth. Severe pruning to the ground can rejuvenate leggy plants. It propagates by cuttings that root easily. It makes an excellent choice for a specimen plant but can also thrive in a mixed shrub border or butterfly garden. The large, saucer-shaped flowers are an attractant for specialized bees and pollinators. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for " Trees, Shrubs and Conifers " a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheHibiscus 'Fireball'Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Bird'Rhododendron canescens