Kosteletzkya virginica
Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow
Please register or login to build your personal plant list.This large pink flower has a long bloom time, May-October, and attracts many pollinators including bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Description:
This large pink flower has a long bloom time, May-October. Reminiscent of hibiscus, the flowers can reach 3 inches in diameter. Pink petals surround a long yellow spike, tipped in fuchsia. This coastal plains species is salt tolerant and occurs naturally in salt marshes and salt meadows, but also grows in fresh water wetlands. This versatile plant has tolerance to a wide range of soils and moisture levels.
Wildlife Value: Attracts many pollinators including bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It is a known larval host plant for Painted Lady Butterflies (Vanessa cardui).
Plant Details:
Other Scientific Names: Kosteletzkya pentacarpos
Other Common Names: Seashore Mallow
Plant Type: Flower, Perennial
New Jersey Native: Yes
Bloom Times: Late Spring to Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer to Fall
Bloom Colors: Pink
Deer Resistance: Unknown
Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Bees and Other Pollinators, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Salt Tolerance: High
Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Physiographic Region: Coastal Plain - CP
Grows in Special Ecoregions: Barrier Island/Coastal
Soil Characteristics
Soil Type: Sandy
Soil Moisture: Moist, Wet
Soil pH: Slightly Acidic, Neutral, Slightly Alkaline
Light Needs of Plant
Optimal Light: Full Sun
Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Water Needs of Plant
Soil Moisture: Moist, Wet
Drought Tolerance: Low
Size and Growth Rate
Height: 3 - 4 ft
Spread: 2 - 3 ft
Growth Rate: Medium-fast