Rose Mallow Hibiscus Seeds

Selected for heavy flower and seed production for oil used in cosmetics. Long lived perennial can grow in dry  locations without irrigation. 

Perennial and non hybrid plant, rose mallow is the furry leaf species grown for its flowers usually as an ornamental. Today the market of patented very beautiful smooth leaf and often low or no seeded forms dominate the hibisicus market. Rose mallow is not so much available anymore. I only see the patented forms at the big box stores and none of the indigenous mallows. The problem is other species are not long lived because of their propensity to grow in wetland conditions. When dropped into a urban landscape, those plants are short lived usually. 

Rose mallow represents the older varieties before hybridization and selection. It is the most drought tolerant and durable of the hibiscus. You sometimes will notice the failure of  the new cultivated varieties which require water during droughts. Rose mallow sails through drought because of its deep roots and hairy leaves. It also is a great pollinator plant and attracts all sorts of butterflies and bees. The large 3-4 inch flowers are mixed in this batch of white, pink and red. All are from the same seed source which was part of a landscape planted long ago at a post office when it was first built.  The mallow family is rich in health benefits and this is just one.  Hibiscus sabadariffa is the annual species used today for oil production.  It is used for hair restoration and skin care products. This could be a potential perennial substitute. 

The seeds germinate easy. Plant in the spring 1/4 inch deep and keep watered. Most come up the first year. A few seeds repel water and come up in the second year as bacterial action breaks down the seed coat. It took us about 3 years from seed to see the flowers and were grown in very poor soil under neglect. Yet they still came through in flying colors.