Quick answer: Crimson-eyed rose-mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) is native to 28 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: The Cosmonaut, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5 CA)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High water, Moist-Wet |
| Soil | Moist to wet, slightly acidic soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Jul-Sep |
| Height | 3-8 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts hummingbirds, conspicuous flowers |
Lookalike alert
Species-level in most states; ⚠ NC/VA files note this species is NOT on Virginia's recommended list even though it is one state over on NC's.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Crimson-eyed rose-mallow
Where is Crimson-eyed rose-mallow native?
Crimson-eyed rose-mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) is native to 28 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Crimson-eyed rose-mallow bloom?
Crimson-eyed rose-mallow blooms Jul-Sep. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Crimson-eyed rose-mallow need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: High water, Moist-Wet. Soil: Moist to wet, slightly acidic soils. Mature height: 3-8 ft tall.
Is Crimson-eyed rose-mallow good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts hummingbirds, conspicuous flowers.
Is Crimson-eyed rose-mallow deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Crimson-eyed rose-mallow is handles wet soil.
Where can I buy real Crimson-eyed rose-mallow seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Be aware that some sellers offer bred varieties under this name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Crimson-eyed rose-mallow.
- Hollow Joe-pye weed Eutrochium fistulosum
- Common buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis
- Swamp rose Rosa palustris
- Blue vervain Verbena hastata
- Foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis
- Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum
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