When does Virginia saltmarsh-mallow bloom?

It flowers from July through September, with pink blooms appearing over the summer months.

What pollinates Virginia saltmarsh-mallow?

Bees and butterflies visit the flowers for nectar and pollen.

What growing conditions does this plant need?

It grows best in full sun with consistently wet to moist soil, similar to the brackish marsh edges and tidal wetlands where it is commonly found.

Is Virginia saltmarsh-mallow evergreen or deciduous?

It is a herbaceous perennial forb that dies back to the ground each winter and regrows in spring.

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.

Virginia Saltmarsh-mallow

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Kosteletzkya pentacarpos

Last reviewed: August 2026

Virginia saltmarsh-mallow is a summer-blooming forb of brackish and salt marshes along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, producing pink flowers from July through September in full sun and consistently wet soil.

Toxicity unknown

Virginia Saltmarsh-mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos) 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 × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, DE, FL, GA and 10 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Gulf Coastal Plain Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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

When does Virginia saltmarsh-mallow bloom?: It flowers from July through September, with pink blooms appearing over the summer months.
What pollinates Virginia saltmarsh-mallow?: Bees and butterflies visit the flowers for nectar and pollen.
What growing conditions does this plant need?: It grows best in full sun with consistently wet to moist soil, similar to the brackish marsh edges and tidal wetlands where it is commonly found.
Is Virginia saltmarsh-mallow evergreen or deciduous?: It is a herbaceous perennial forb that dies back to the ground each winter and regrows in spring.
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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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