Virginia Saltmarsh-mallow
Kosteletzkya pentacarpos
Last reviewed: June 2026
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.
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.
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.
Does Virginia Saltmarsh-mallow fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.