Hibiscus moscheutos

Hibiscus moscheutos, Swamp Rose Mallow, is a fast-growing perennial Hibiscus with stems that become woody forming a large shrub-like bush. It is native to the USA and Canada and grows as far north as Ontario, its herbaceous habit making it perfectly hardy in extreme cold. The flowers are enormous pale-white tinged with a soft pink and the throat is a deep crimson from which protrudes a staminal tube to which are attached the cream-coloured anthers and five stigma pads. It is spectacular and that such a tropical-looking flower is hardy makes it essential exotica for any jungle-look garden.

It is a vigorous grower and flowers at an early age, often in its first year. In autumn the woody stems die off and can be cut back to near-ground level. Covering the stem bases in a mulch of bark and leaves is a useful extra protection for winter