Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow
Kosteletzkya virginica
Last reviewed: August 2026
Kosteletzkya virginica is a native saltmarsh perennial that blooms pink hibiscus-like flowers from June through September. This wetland plant thrives in coastal areas from Florida north to Massachusetts.
Toxicity unknown
Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow (Kosteletzkya virginica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
24"–60" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, DE, FL, GA and 10 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
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This native perennial produces showy pink hibiscus-like flowers from summer through early fall. This robust plant thrives in wet conditions and can handle salt spray, making it excellent for coastal gardens or areas with poor drainage.
Growing Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow
Grow Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very tall and can appear wild or weedy
- Requires consistently wet soil which may look unkempt
- May die back completely in winter leaving bare stems
Wildlife value
The large pink blooms attract bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the long flowering season. This plant serves as a host for several native moth species.
Common questions
- When does Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow bloom?
- Kosteletzkya virginica blooms from June through September, producing pink hibiscus-like flowers throughout the summer and early fall.
- What pollinators visit Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow?
- Bees, butterflies, and beetles are attracted to the flowers of Kosteletzkya virginica for nectar and pollen.
- Where is Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow native?
- This plant is native to coastal saltmarshes and wetlands from Florida north along the Atlantic coast to Massachusetts and west to Texas.
- What growing conditions does Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow need?
- Kosteletzkya virginica requires consistently moist to wet soils and full sun to partial sun exposure, making it ideal for wetland gardens and rain gardens.
- Is Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow HOA-friendly?
- Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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