Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow, Virginia Fen-rose, Seashore Mallow
Family:
Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map
Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Plant Characteristics
Growth Form
Shrub
Height
3
to
5
ft.
Spread
3
to
4
ft.
Leaf Retention
Deciduous
Lifespan
Perennial
Habitat and Care Requirements
Soil Type(s)
Sand, Loam, Clay, Acid, Poor Drainage
Light Requirement
Sun, Part Shade
Water Requirement
Medium
Native Habitat
Wetland or Riparian
Bloom and Attraction
Bloom Color
White, Pink
Bloom Season
Summer, Fall
Seasonal Interest
Nectar, Larval Host
Wildlife Benefit
Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Maintenance
Pruning not necessary, grows by rhizomes. Propagation: Seed, softwood cuttings.
Comments
Blooms June-October. 3-5′ sub-shrub with oval and pointed leaves. Has masses of 3 inch light pink or white hibiscus-like flowers all summer. Flowers dangle downward slightly. Fused central column of stamens are golden with pollen. Lives only 5 years so let some seeds sprout for replacement plants. Pollination: Hummingbirds, butterflies. Larval Host: Painted Lady.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Synonym(s): Kosteletzkya althaeifolia, Kosteletzkya smilacifolia, Kosteletzkya virginica var. althaeifolia, Kosteletzkya virginica var. aquilonia
References
1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 53. 3) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=KOVI. 4) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=14632&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 5) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Kosteletzkya+virginica&formsubmit=Search+Terms. 6) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=845759#null