Join / Renew / Gift Donate Shop Member Portal Language

Search
npsot_bluebonnet_full_color

Native Plant Society of Texas

Texas Star Hibiscus

Hibiscus coccineus

Other common name(s):

Crimson Rosemallow, Wild Red Mallow, Scarlet Rosemallow

Family:

Malvaceae (Mallow Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

6
to
8
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Rich, Well Drained, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

High

Native Habitat

Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees

Maintenance

Rare in the wild, but grown commercially. May need extra care if grown outside of its native range. May be grown in container gardens. Will grow in part shade, but needs at least 6 hours of sun. Best to protect from late afternoon sun. May be pruned in late winter or early spring for bushier shape or it may need stakes for support. Native habitat: wetland areas, along riverbanks, and in marshy habitats. It can be susceptible to pests like Japanese beetles, whiteflies, sawfly larvae, mealybugs, aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Can also be affected by fungal diseases such as blight, rust, and leaf spot. Avoid watering leaves to avoid leaf spot. Propagation: stem cutting, seed.

Comments

Blooms July-September. A tall upright plant with large, deeply lobed leaves. The foliage is generally dark green and has a slightly hairy texture. Large, showy red flowers have five petals that form a distinctive star shape, hence the name. The fruit is a capsule.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Hibiscus semilobatus

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Scarification Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. In warmer climates seeds can be sown directly outdoors after the risk of frost has passed. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to soften the hard seed coat and improve germination. Sow seeds in seed trays or pots filled with seed starting mix. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist and maintain a temperature of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination. Once seedlings have grown to 4-6 inches and have developed at least 2 sets of true leaves, they can be hardened off and plant outdoors. Ensure all danger of frost has passed and acclimate seedlings to ourdoor conditions gradually over a week. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/hibiscus-coccineus#:~:text=Texas%20Star%20Hibiscus%20can%20be,lower%20half%20of%20the%20cutting.
Semi-harwood Cutting Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to promote root development. Insert the cuttings into a pot filled with well draining rooting mix. Water thoroughly and cover the pot with a plastic dome or a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Maintain consistent moisture and air circulation to prevent mold. Roots should develop in 4-6 weeks. Once the cuttings have developed a strong root system, they can be potted up into larger containers or planted directly into the garden. Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or early fallm when the stems are not too soft but not yet fully woody. Select healthy, non-flowering stems with at least two nodes. but the stem just below a node, and remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/hibiscus-coccineus#:~:text=Texas%20Star%20Hibiscus%20can%20be,lower%20half%20of%20the%20cutting.
Clump Division Carefully dig up the plant and divide the root ball into sections, ensuring each section has both roots and shoots. Replant the divisions immediately in their new locations or pots. Water thoroughly and keep the newly planted divisions moist until they are established. Best done in early spring or fall when plant is dormant or just starting to come back from winter. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/hibiscus-coccineus#:~:text=Texas%20Star%20Hibiscus%20can%20be,lower%20half%20of%20the%20cutting.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason