Hardy, herbaceous North American perennial
Description: Large, bright scarlet blossoms open from upper branches in late summer; leaves turn orange and yellow in fall
Habit: Grows to 7 feet high and 4 feet wide; multi-stemmed
Culture: Prefers full sun to light shade and moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 6
Origin: North America
Attributes: fall color, rain garden, attracts hummingbirds and butterflies

This southeastern U.S. native was first named in the late 18th century and was soon being grown by avid American gardeners of the day—notably William Bartram, George Washington, and Jean Skipwith of Rappahannock in Virginia. Peter Collinson of London saw a painting of the flower, done by Bartram, and asked for seeds to be sent from Charleston, South Carolina. In spite of its early popularity, and its use in hybridizing modern hibiscus cultivars, there is little evidence that this species was ever widely grown in American gardens. Also known as “Star of Texas,” this showy perennial is suitable for border plantings, rain gardens, as an accent plant, or grown in containers, and the flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. zone6,zone7,zone8,zone9,zone0