Rose Mallow (Hibiscus laevis)
This plant may be considered nearly native, it seems to be right on the cusp and a little into Michigan. However, it is such an attractive plant to have in the garden, with its large, tropical-looking flowers. The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bumblebees and the specialist bee, Rose-mallow Bee (Ptilothrix bombiformis) (illinoiswildflower.info). It is also a host plant to 19 different butterflies and moths in this area (nwf.org). Rose Mallow is presumed extirpated in Michigan, though the data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species)
Photo credit: Patrick Alexander
This plant may be considered nearly native, it seems to be right on the cusp and a little into Michigan. However, it is such an attractive plant to have in the garden, with its large, tropical-looking flowers. The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bumblebees and the specialist bee, Rose-mallow Bee (Ptilothrix bombiformis) (illinoiswildflower.info). It is also a host plant to 19 different butterflies and moths in this area (nwf.org). Rose Mallow is presumed extirpated in Michigan, though the data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species)
Photo credit: Patrick Alexander
This plant may be considered nearly native, it seems to be right on the cusp and a little into Michigan. However, it is such an attractive plant to have in the garden, with its large, tropical-looking flowers. The nectar and pollen of the flowers attract bumblebees and the specialist bee, Rose-mallow Bee (Ptilothrix bombiformis) (illinoiswildflower.info). It is also a host plant to 19 different butterflies and moths in this area (nwf.org). Rose Mallow is presumed extirpated in Michigan, though the data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species)
Photo credit: Patrick Alexander
Life Cycle: Perennial
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial sun
Soil Moisture: Wet, Medium-Wet
Height: 5 feet
Plant Spacing: 2-3 feet
Bloom Time: July-September
Bloom Color: Pink
Advantages: Bird Favorite, Caterpillar Favorite, Deer Resistant, Great Landscape Plant
Host Plant: Possibly the Painted Lady (illinoiswildflower.info), and 19 other species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant in our area (nwf.org)
Species of Concern: State Status: Presumed extirpated (legally 'threatened' if rediscovered). State Rank: Presumed extirpated (mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species)
Specialist Bee: Rose-mallow Bee (Ptilothrix bombiformis) (illinoiswildflower.info)
