This spectacular native produces dinner plate-sized flowers up to 8 inches across in white, pink, and red. Emerges late in spring but grows rapidly, creating a dramatic tropical effect that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies while supporting specialized native bees.

Native range: Eastern United States from Texas to the Atlantic Coast, north to southern Ontario

Size: 4-6 feet tall, space 3-5 feet apart

Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade, moist to wet soil

Bloom period: July through September

Wildlife value: Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and specialized native bees; larval host for 28 species of butterflies and moths; essential for rose mallow bee (Ptilothrix bombiformis)

Garden benefits: Dramatic oversized blooms, heat and humidity tolerant, deer resistant, excellent for rain gardens and wet areas