Virginia Saltmarsh-mallow
Kosteletzkya pentacarpos
Last reviewed: June 2026
Kosteletzkya pentacarpos (Virginia Saltmarsh-mallow) is a native wetland perennial blooming pink flowers from July through September across southeastern coastal states. This salt-tolerant forb attracts bees and butterflies in marshes and wet areas.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
24"–60" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, DE, FL, GA and 10 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Saltmarsh-mallow is a tall native perennial that produces showy pink hibiscus-like flowers from summer through early fall. This moisture-loving plant thrives in wet soils and can reach up to 5 feet tall with an upright, somewhat bushy growth habit.
Growing Virginia Saltmarsh-mallow
Grow Virginia Saltmarsh-mallow in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 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 unkempt
- Requires consistently wet soil which may look messy
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare stems
Wildlife value
The large pink flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. This native plant provides important nectar resources during late summer when many other flowers have finished blooming.
Common questions
- Where does Virginia Saltmarsh-mallow naturally grow?
- Kosteletzkya pentacarpos is native to coastal and wetland areas from New York south to Florida and west to Texas, including states like Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana.
- When does Virginia Saltmarsh-mallow bloom?
- This plant produces pink hibiscus-like flowers from July through September, providing late summer color in wetland gardens.
- What pollinators visit Virginia Saltmarsh-mallow?
- The flowers attract various bees and butterflies, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in coastal and wetland habitats.
- What growing conditions does Virginia Saltmarsh-mallow need?
- This plant thrives in full sun with consistently moist to wet soil conditions. It is particularly well-adapted to salt marshes and other saline environments.
- 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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. 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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