Swamp Hibiscus is called Texas Star
The Swamp Hibiscus or Scarlet Rose Mallow is called Texas Star in Texas, and it has a beautiful red bloom in the summer. This is Hibiscus coccineus by scientific name.
This plant has a large single flower with five points, and may have several blooming at one time. It is the size of a hibiscus, although the flower is more pointed than we usually recognize as a member of the hibiscus family. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Use a large tub to start the Texas Star, since it gets three to eight feet tall. If you have a small plant, you might want to start it in a smaller pot, and move it to a large one, but the seeds do fine in a large pot.
2. Plant in early spring and let it get a good start. It likes part sun, part shade in Texas, and can grow in Zone 6 and above. Once it gets about two feet tall, cut it back to about a foot tall to keep it more compact. If you want it to be long and tall, do not cut it back.
3. Do not be concerned that the leaves of the Texas Star look a little like an illegal plant. It is not, and the flowers are just outstanding. Water this plant often, as it is a Swamp Hibiscus and likes damp soil.
4. When the Texas Star or Swamp Hibiscus blooms, leave the flower to seed. It makes a pod that needs to dry on the plant. Collect the seeds once the pods are brown.
5. Cut the stalks back once after a freeze and after they turn brown. This beautiful plant will return to bloom next year. Plant the Texas Star seeds and start a new plant or share with a friend. You can grow a Texas Star or Swamp Hibiscus and have some to share.
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