This is one of my favorite plants in the garden and is such a miracle to me.
I told FrostyTrichs that I didn't think it was native, but I was wrong! I'm kind of glad, we really do try to buy native perennials (or at least cultivars of plants that are native in the area-ish), but sometimes get swayed by profound beauties
Obviously, the photo above is a cultivar and not a true native but the the Rose Mallow is native in my province: https://www.ontario.ca/page/swamp-rose-mallow
PDF alert - https://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/plans/mp_swamp_rose-mallow_e_final.pdf
I should note that we are outside if it's native range and 1-2 hardiness zones colder...
I can't believe this tropical looking beauty survives our harsh winters.
This is what it looks like in April:
It springs back to life well after everything else has, and all hope is lost. We noticed the first growth at the very end of May:
The first blooms were noticed yesterday, at the very end of August. They are in the back corner of our yard, about 150 ft from the house, but the beautiful colour stands out from the green.
This plant is a very good reminder of how useful garden logs can be. We were ready to give up on her, but looked back at least year's photos and remembered that she likes to sleep in.
I was shocked to learn the original Marshmallows were made from Marsh Mallow root
Ya don't need to murder animals for tasty chewy treats!
Eta: I've also made really tasty marshmallow type fluff from aquafava.
As always, thank you for the share. All these plants and pictures are amazing and I love being able to feel like I'm part of the garden adventure!
Each flower opens for one or two days, and fades as soon as it is pollinated.
What does this mean in practical terms? Do the flowers fall off after a couple days or are they just not as perky? I don't know anything about flowers really.... Most of my experience is with veggies. Is it more like a squash flower that wilts and falls completely off or does it fade more gradually?
Still a natural beauty, how cool!
Thank you for the update!
![Swamp Rose Mallow [zone 5a]](https://i.imgur.com/Z206zcd.jpeg){kind=link}