Seashore Mallow,  Kosteletzkya pentacarpos

A gorgeous, hibiscus-like native perennial that thrives where others won't—in wet and even salty soils! (Also known as Saltmarsh Mallow or Coastal Mallow). Long Bloom Time: This perennial offers a fantastic display of pink, hibiscus-like flowers (2-3 inches wide) from mid-summer and well into fall (often July through October). Each flower only lasts a day, but the plant produces them continuously. An ecological champion (Halophyte): As a native halophyte, it is one of the few plants that thrives in coastal salt marshes and brackish habitats, providing essential cover and nectar in these challenging environments. The showy pink blossoms are highly attractive to various pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds.

Seashore Mallow is a member of the Malvaceae family, making it a close relative of the tropical hibiscus, cotton, and the common garden mallow. Its flowers have the classic mallow shape with a beautiful central column of fused yellow stamens.

Grows in wetlands, marshes, and pond edges. An "obligate wetland" plant; it thrives in consistently moist to wet soil, and can tolerate shallow standing water.

Full Sun (6+ hours daily) Essential for strong growth and abundant summer-to-fall flowering. Prefers sand, loam, or clay, but the key is that the soil must not dry out. Salt Tolerance Moderate to High. Naturally thrives in brackish (slightly salty) water and soils, making it excellent for coastal gardens. Grows 3 to 6 feet tall into a robust, somewhat angular subshrub-like perennial.

Seed Scarification & Germination Kosteletzkya pentacarpos seeds possess physical dormancy (a hard seed coat) that prevents water absorption. They generally require scarification before they can successfully germinate.

Scarification. This step mimics the natural process of the seed coat wearing down. Gently rub the seeds against medium-grit sandpaper for 30-60 seconds to slightly wear down the hard outer coating. Be careful not to damage the embryo inside.

Soak Method. (Alternative/Follow-up): After scarification, soak the seeds in warm (not boiling) water overnight (12-24 hours) before planting. Seeds that swell are ready to sow.

Sowing Instructions Winter sow, or sow seeds outdoors in spring after scarification, or indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in a moist, rich, well-draining seed-starting mix. Temperature: Maintain soil temperatures around 70°F for best germination. Use a heat mat if starting indoors. Watering: Keep the soil continuously and consistently moist—this plant is not drought-tolerant, even as a seedling.

Transplanting Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into a moist garden location.

Seashore Mallow is a member of the Malvaceae family, making it a close relative of the tropical hibiscus, cotton, and the common garden mallow. Its flowers have the classic mallow shape with a beautiful central column of fused yellow stamens.