Saltmarsh Mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos)

Also known as: Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow, Seashore Mallow

Quick Facts

• Type: wildflower
• Size: 3-6 ft tall, 2-3 ft wide
• Sun: full
• Water: high
• Soil: Moist to wet soils; tolerates brackish conditions and occasional standing water.
• USDA zones: 8-11

Hibiscus-like pink blooms on tall stems, built for life at the water's edge.

Found in most of Florida's 67 counties, from panhandle salt marshes to the Keys. One of the few showy wildflowers that tolerates brackish water — ideal for coastal gardens and stormwater ponds.

In the Landscape

Rain gardens, pond and ditch edges, coastal plantings, and anywhere soggy; pairs beautifully with pickerelweed and swamp milkweed.

Care & Propagation

Needs consistently moist soil — never let it dry out. Cut dead stems back in late fall or early spring. Short-lived (about five years); let it self-seed for continuity.

From seed sown in fall; collect capsules as they split. Can also be divided in spring.

Wildlife Value

Large pink blooms draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds through summer and fall; seed capsules feed small birds.

🌱 Fun fact: Its accepted name, Kosteletzkya pentacarpos, won a 19th-century naming tug-of-war: American botanists called it virginica while Europeans said pentacarpos, and pentacarpos prevailed.

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🌴 In Florida

Found in most of Florida's 67 counties, from panhandle salt marshes to the Keys. One of the few showy wildflowers that tolerates brackish water — ideal for coastal gardens and stormwater ponds.

🌿 Keep exploring

More Florida natives worth meeting:

• Alligator Flag (Thalia geniculata)
• American White Waterlily (Nymphaea odorata)
• Anisescented Goldenrod (Solidago odora)