Plant of the Month: Confederate Rose

 by Judy Weaver

Hibiscus mutabilis is known by several common names, among them Confederate Rose, Cotton Rose, and Cotton Rose Mallow.  With a height of 10 to 12 feet, and a width of 8 to 12  feet, plant it with plenty of room to grow.  The species name mutabilis is Latin for change and refers to the color of the flowers that begin white when the bud first opens, then light pink and finally a dark pink. This is a plant to prune in the winter after its fall blooms are finished.  Because the next season’s flowers appear on new growth, severe pruning to the ground can work well. Cuttings root well, so this is an easy way to propagate a Confederate Rose.  Full sun and soil with high organic matter makes a happy bush/tree which will attract pollinators to your garden.