A Rose by Another Name

Pensacola News Journal
for: Sunday, Oct. 15, 2000
by: Daniel E. Mullins
Extension Horticultural Agent
Santa Rosa County



A Rose by Another Name

Confederate rose is an attention grabbing fall bloomer. It goes by several other
names including cotton rose. Botanists know it as Hibiscus mutabilis.
This plant is found mostly in older gardens and landscapes across the deep
south. Depending upon how much it freezes back each winter, it makes a shrub or
small tree up to 15 feet tall. When temperatures reach 15 degrees F. it usually dies to
the ground, but quickly sprouts back from the crown the following spring.
The vegetative growth of confederate rose during the spring and summer is not
particularly striking. It grows in an informal shape and the leaves look a little like the
standard hibiscus, but more like cotton or okra, to which it is also closely related.
The showy flowers appear in late summer and continue into the fall. There are
several forms of confederate roses growing in southern landscapes. The cultivar
known as ‘Rubus’ has deep pink flowers. ‘Plena’ has double white flowers that change
to pink or red on the second day. The older, original types have double flowers that
open white in the morning and gradually turn pink in the afternoon. Flowers are large,
with blossoms that are up to 6 inches across being common.
A friend uses the confederate rose’s habit of changing flower color as a practical
joke. He clips newly opened white blossoms and takes them to area offices, offering
them as gifts. Each recipient is told that if a person possesses a high moral character,
the flower will remain white. If not, it might change color. The next day of course, that
person is greeted by a red or pink blossom.
Some confederate rose growing tips:
Although common in southern gardens, this plant is not often found in nurseries and
garden centers.
Propagation is easy. Start new plants from seed in the spring, or root 8 inch long
terminal cuttings during spring, summer and early fall. Cuttings can be rooted in a

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conventional propagation bed, or even in a glass of water.
Confederate roses are not particular about soil type, thriving under a wide range of
moisture conditions once established.
This plant species requires bright light in order to perform best. Choose a planting
site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight during the growing season.
Locate plants in warmer areas of the landscape in order to limit the amount of
damage to stems and branches during the winter. Choose planting sites that are
protected on the north side by the house, outbuildings or solid fences.
Heavy mulches of leaves, bark or pine needles applied during the fall help to protect
roots and the plant crown, as well as helping to ensure that complete recovery will occur
the following spring.
A light fertilization during the spring and midsummer would be beneficial where soils
are extremely sandy. Avoid applying excessive amounts. Most confederate roses
perform well with little fertilizer being applied.

Question of the Week: A vigorous vine continues to come up in my shrub beds. When
I dig at the base I find a large potato-like structure. What is this, and how can I get rid
of it!
Answer: No vine other than Smilax fits your description. It is an aggressive weed when
found in shrub plantings. Ten species of Smilax have been identified, having such
common names as greenbrier, catbrier, bamboo vine, bull brier, horsebrier, jackson-
brier and, for obvious reasons: blaspheme vine.
Smilax species vary in leaf shape and in other characteristics. Leaves may be
heart shaped, ovate, lanceolate or truncate.
All species form very large, tough rhizomes as the plant matures. These
underground structures serve to store large amounts of food reserves and make
chemical control extremely difficult.
There is no herbicide that I can recommend for control that would be safe on
your ornamental plants. Hand digging, though labor intensive, is your best option.

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