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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)

Moist, Rich, Well Drained

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

High

Native Habitat

Riparian, Wetland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Flowers, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

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. 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. Native habitat: wetland areas, along riverbanks, and in marshy habitats.

Description

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

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason