Confederate rose is a great plant for fall flowers in Louisiana landscapes. These plants go by the scientific name Hibiscus mutabilis.
This plant is one of the several hibiscus species that is considered hardy in Louisiana. Being reliably perennial allows for use in the landscape on a long-term basis. You will see Confederate rose species being 15 feet tall in south Louisiana.
Confederate roses are one of those “passalong” plants that are easier to find at garden center than in past years. It is a Southern plant favorite. The tree-like growth habit is usually multi-trunked with large leaves and showy flowers. Flowers typically open white in the morning and gradually turn to rosy pink and red later in the day before flowers close. Flowering begins in late summer and goes through the fall months. Some variety selections have flowers lasting two days, and flower color is slightly variable. Double-flower-form selections are also available.
Climate does limit the full landscape potential of Confederate rose. Cold weather in the mid to low 20s can cause terminal dieback of the trunks, but in south Louisiana we have large-growing specimens that have not been damaged by cold weather in recent years. Growth reliably returns every spring – although sometimes this spring growth commencement is not as early as we would like. Provide heavy mulch going through the winter months to protect the lower trunk and root system from cold weather. A little bit of protection or planting near a house in a micro-climate location goes a long way on speeding along earlier growth the following spring.
You may see white flies or spider mites on Confederate rose. These would be considered the most prevalent pests that this plant has. Disease is not an issue – be sure to plant in a well-drained area and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot from occurring. Confederate roses are great plants.