Hibiscus Moscheutos.  This member of the Mallow Family is a hardy perennial hibiscus that produces large 4-6” wide cream colored blossoms with darker throats.  The Rose Mallow can grow from 3-6’ tall and 2-4’ across with the blossoms appearing in late summer into the late fall.  This plant’s USDA hardiness rating is zones 4-9, which is equal to winter temperatures down to -20 degrees.  Rose Mallow is native from Maryland and south to Florida as well as west to Indiana and Alabama.  Rose Mallow is related to the Rose of Sharon, Cotton, and Hollyhock.

Soak the seeds in water overnight and then place them ¼” deep in your germination mix indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting them outside after the last frost.  Germination can take up to 10 days.  Plants should bloom the first year and grow best when planted in evenly moist, humus rich soil.

Heirloom seeds are collected from the gardens and grounds of George Washington's Mount Vernon and cleaned and packaged by hand.