Seashore-mallow (Kosteletskya pentacarpos )Mallow Family Seashore-mallow, is a herbaceous perennial native to tidal marshes, wet meadows, and moist lowlands of the eastern U.S. coastal plain. This species belongs to the mallow family and bears a close resemblance to hibiscus, producing numerous light pink, five-petaled flowers from mid-summer into early fall. The flowers, which open sequentially over several weeks, are rich in nectar and attract a wide range of pollinators, including hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees. The foliage consists of soft green leaves with a subtle silvery cast. Seashore Mallow prefers full sun and moist to wet soils. It tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils, and can survive in areas with mild salinity, such as tidal or coastal zones. Though it thrives in wetland environments, it can be grown in average garden soil with supplemental watering during dry spells. In addition to its ornamental value, it provides important ecological functions, supporting late-season pollinators and offering potential nesting habitat when stems are left standing over winter. Blooms: Pink, 5-6 weeks, Sept-Oct Leaves:Soft green with a silvery tint, and finely textured. Height: 4-5’ Space:3-4’ Soil:Moist-Wet Exposure:Full sun-Part sun Fauna:Hummingbirds, butterflies, long-tongue bees Seeds:Segmented capsule,containing several small, round, brown seeds. Deer Resistance:Moderate Zone:5-9 Native Status: NC native, common in the Coastal Plain Provenance:NC, seed grown
