Best grown in organically rich, medium to wet soils in full sun. Tolerates some light shade, but full sun produces best flowering and is the best environment for resisting potential diseases. Tolerates summer heat and humidity as long as soils are kept continuously moist throughout the growing season. 

Hibiscus laevis, commonly called smooth rose mallow or halberd-leaved rose mallow, is a Missouri native herbaceous perennial which typically occurs in wet soils along streams, rivers, ponds, sloughs, ditches and swampy areas throughout much of the State. Perhaps most easily distinguished by its three-lobed leaves (to 6" long) which resemble the shape of the 15th-16th century halberd spear. Large, 5-petaled, hollyhock-like flowers (to 6" diameter) with white to pink petals and maroon eyes appear from mid-summer into fall on smooth stout stems rising 4-6' tall. Each flower has a prominent and showy center staminal column.

Height: 4.00 to 6.00 feet

Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet

Bloom Time: August to September

Sun: Full sun

Water: Medium to wet