Kosteletzkya virginica – Salt Marsh Mallow – Fen Rose – Seashore Mallow –

Description

Kosteletzkya – Fen Rose – Seashore Mallow – There are about 30 species of upright perennial and sub shrubs in this genus.  Found in coastal areas of tropical Africa, South Africa, Madagascar and North America.  It produces alternate, spear shaped, leaves that are simple or palmately lobed.  It bears three petalled, tubular flowers with stamens united in a column held singly or in terminal racemes or panicles. Grow in moderately fertile, moist soil in full sun. K. virginica – Salt Marsh Mallow – This erect perennial or sub shrub found from New York down to Florida and Louisiana grows 4’ feet tall and 2’ feet wide.  From rough stems it carries triangular-spear shaped, 3-5 lobed, toothed, coarsely hairy, mid green leaves, 2-6” long.  In summer it bears pink or red flowers, to 3” across, held singly or in panicles. Zones 6-11