Texas Star Hibiscus

By Armenak Margarian - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45137810

By Raffi Kojian - http://Gardenology.org, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12400369

Scientific Name: Hibiscus coccineus

Common Names: Texas Star Hibiscus, Scarlet Hibiscus, Swamp Hibiscus

Native to: Southeastern United States, primarily Texas and Louisiana

Lighting Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Height: 4-6 feet 

Width: 3-4 feet 

Winter Look: Dies back 

Seasonal Interest: Summer to fall (bright red, star-shaped flowers)

Drought Tolerance: Moderate; prefers moist conditions but can tolerate short dry spells once established

Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soils; thrives in wet or boggy areas (I had one sitting in my pond's waterfall, and it was very happy there!)

pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-10

Deer Resistance: Low to moderate; may be browsed by deer

Attracts: Hummingbirds, Bees, Butterflies

Notes: Known for its large, striking red flowers that resemble a star shape, it is a dramatic addition to any garden. It thrives in moist, boggy areas and is excellent for pond-side or water garden plantings. It also works well in wildflower and butterfly gardens. It is best suited for warmer climates and requires regular watering. It tends to get leggy, leaving you with the option to cut it back, trim it up, or let it be wild.

This plant usually blooms red, however I have one that's white. I'm unsure if white ones are available to buy or if mine was grown from seed and decided to be different.

I have to share a funny story about these. In case you didn't notice, the leaves look like the leaves of a marajuana plant. I worked at a nursery in Georgetown years ago, and we had these lined up by our front fence. We had a police officer pull up one day and march in with his hand on his holster, looking very determined and confident. He walked straight to the Hibiscus, stared for a moment, and then relaxed while lazily walking right back out the front gate to his patrol car. 

That was not the first time someone had called the police after seeing these plants. It may have just been easier to ask!