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Confederate Rose

I have recently purchased a Confederate Rose. My grandmother called it a Cotton Rose. I’d appreciate any information you can give me about this plant. Does it like full/partial sun? Mature height? My neighbor has two that are trees; can I train my potted bushy plant into a tree? If not, can you give me the estimated spread of the plant at maturity? All information you can give me would be so helpful. Thanks.

Confederate rose (Hibiscus mutabilis) also referred to as Cotton Rose likes full sun, well-drained , slightly acid soil. It grows as a multi-branched shrub or a small deciduous tree with low branches which can get up to 12 feet tall and wide so allow room for expansion. Flowers bloom white and by evening turn into a shade of pink. You can have 3 distinct colors on the bush at the same time;  white, pale pink and deep pink . 
Confederate rose can be invasive in warmer climates. It is hardy in zone 8-10 and will die back with the first hard freeze but return in spring getting larger each year. If you are growing it in a container it will be easy to maintain.  To shape it into a tree, choose one large dominant branch and cut away all others.

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December 1st, 2005 | Category: Confederate rose, Garden Review, TROPICAL PLANTS | 61 comments
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61 comments to Confederate Rose

  • Hazel
    December 31st, 2005 at 3:43 pm · Reply

    Hi, I would like some help on taking care of my husbands confederate rose It is still full of buds and blooms and the wheather man is calling for a freeze within the next week or two. I know he cut it back each year and covered it but it never bloomed or had buds this late in the fall. Can I go ahead and cut it back or do I wait and let it keep blooming and let the freeze finish it then cut it back. Sorry I’m so dumb about it and I never thought I would be caring for ir or it becoming so important to me. He died in August and it was full of buds then, he never got to see it so beautiful as it is this year can you help me save it? Thank You

    Confederate rose (Hibiscus mutabilis), is relatively easy to grow and maintain. Once the plant freezes , cut it back to several inches above the ground. New growth will emerge in mid spring. Since frost is eminent, I would cut a few branches and bring them in the house and see if the buds will open. If they do you will have a lovely reminder of your husband.

  • Christine Hurst
    July 13th, 2006 at 5:55 pm · Reply

    My mother has a Confederate Rose tree. It was suppose to have pink, white and yellow flowers. This is the second year it has bloomed & has only bloomed in pink. Does the Conferate Rose tree ever bloom in the tri colors?

    Confederate rose (Hibiscus mutabilis)is known for its beautiful flowers that change color as they age. The flowers usually open white or pale pink and turn a darker pink to crimson as they age. The white can be a yellowish white and maybe that’s what they refer to as “yellow”. It might just be a good marketing ploy. You can have 3 distinct colors on the bush at the same time; usually white, pale pink and deep pink .

  • May
    July 16th, 2006 at 4:27 am · Reply

    Not blooming
    I am in zone 8.5 but have only had one bloom and yellow leaves. Mine has been planted for 3 years now and I have used Nursery Special to fertilizer each year. There must be a better fertilizer or pruning technique I need–mine hasn’t frozen back in 3 years. All advice appreciated!

    Some of the reasons why your hibiscus won’t bloom is : Too wet, too dry, too much nitrogen (the 1st number)which will give you lush growth at the expense of flowers and not enough sun. U. of Florida recommends: fertilize lightly 4x a year with a 15-5-10 or 15-5-15 with micronutrients. For large plants spread the fertilizer slightly beyond the dripline, 1/2 to 1 lb per plant in early spring, after 1st flush of growth,midsummer and September. As for the yellow leaves - the plant may be shedding some of its older leaves after new vigorous growth. Otherwise, yellowing leaves can also occur from stressfull conditions, too much fertilizer, too wet conditons or some insecticide application. It sounds like a lot to consider.

  • Sharron Torres
    August 27th, 2006 at 7:55 am · Reply

    My husband recently received a confederate rose in a pot while visiting in Louisiana. It was a start and well rooted and potted in local soil. Ideally we would like to plant it in our yard in Northern New Mexico. Our zone is 6-7. Any pointers? Should it stay in a pot that will be covered or brought inside in the winter or is it doomed.

    There is conflicting information on the hardiness of Confederate rose, zone 7-9 Floridata, 8-10Botanica and as low as 5-9. You may be able to plant it in the yard and mulch it for the winter. The top of the plant will die back from frost and cold temperatures. If that happens, cut down the plant to 4 inches above the ground and it should grow back from the roots next spring.

  • Lynn P.
    September 1st, 2006 at 9:21 pm · Reply

    I found some confederate rose seeds, and am curious as to whether they will sprout easily from seed, or do they need some special care?

    The seeds sprout easily. Plant in early spring to get the seeds growing and then the seedlings will be ready for the warm weather outdoors. Plant seed 1/4-1/2″ deep in a seed starting medium @ temperatures of 75-80 degrees. Keep the medium moist, not wet. Seeds should germinate in 1 week -to one month. Once the seedlings have several sets of their true leaves and the stems become woody 3-4″ plants, transplant into individual pots.

  • sandy
    September 21st, 2006 at 8:44 am · Reply

    PROPAGATE FROM CUTTINGS
    I have tried to start a triming from my confederate rose only, to have the trimings died. I put them in water and they just wilted up. I left them outside but, I need some advice on what I could of done wrong . I am trying to get these started for friends. I would like to know can I dig the rose up and move it. Thank you…

    If you first don’t suceed try again. There are several ways to propagate your confederate rose. Fall- try rooting your cutting a a bucket of damp sand instead of water and keep it out of direct sunlight. You will have to store it in a cool (not freezing) spot for the winter. If that doesn’t work try it in the spring with new growth. Start with pencil thick 5-6 inch cutting of firm new growth, strip off the lower leaves and insert cutting in a mix of 3 parts sand to 1 part peat. Rooting is quicker and should take 4-5 weeks. Transplant when the plant is dormant or in early spring.

    Dawn Spiegelhoff
    I have confederate rose trees and I want to start one for my mother, how do I do this from the trees I all ready have.

    The best time to take cuttings is in the fall before the first freeze. Cuttings should be 12-15″ and can be started in water, in a warm,sunny spot. It takes about 8 weeks for a good root. Then transplant into a pot and keep moist. I read that when you transplant wet the soil and let it go dry naturally, so that the “water” roots have time to readjust to the new environment.

  • sandy
    October 16th, 2006 at 6:26 am · Reply

    I lnow there is something that I am not doing right. I cut put it in sand, and some in water and still nothing. Either I have a rotten thumb or a stubborn plant. I want to know if I cut the new ones if I cut the ones with the rose’s on them or cut without? I just can not fiqure out what I am doing wrong? Thanks again for your help.

    Try again. Use cuttings with new green growth and no flowers on them. Try a cutting that is 12-15 inches long. If you don’t have success this time of year, try in the spring-rooting is quicker. I find certain plants root better in the active growing season with longer daylight hours.

  • Linda Mills
    January 23rd, 2007 at 5:11 pm · Reply

    Pruning Confederate rose
    I have read all of your comments,but none help. I live in Jax,Fl,My confederate rose is about 8 ft tall and straggly.I need to know when to prune.We don’t get much frost here,so I”m not sure when to prune.I also need to know how far down to cut it.It also
    has a problem with whiteflies.Help.thanks

    The best time to do any heavy pruning on your Confederate Rose is in early spring. Pruning in the fall/winter can encourage new growth which will be prone to cold damage. You can cut back 1/3 to 1/2 of the branches down to 1/2 up to 6 inches above the ground of the stem and then prune the rest one month later. This way you will reduce the size, get a fuller bush and still have flowers. Remember heavy pruning can delay blooming. You can also prune lightly throughout the year. In colder regions Confederate rose will die back to the ground and the roots will send up new growth which bloom that summer. For the whitefly problem click here

  • Angela
    March 28th, 2007 at 10:04 am · Reply

    I have clippings from a Confederate Rose that I got last October. I put them in a vase and they rooted very well over the winter. They have leaves on them and are ready for planting. I put them in the ground and they just wilted and now have a white powder around the edges of the leaves. I water it twice a day and it still will not come back. What do I need to do. I live in Middle Tennessee (zone 6)?

    The roots needed to adjust to the difference in being in water versus soil. One thing you could have done before planting outdoors is potted the rooted stem in well-drained soil, soaked the soil, and allow it to slowly dry out giving the roots time to acclimate, then watering again when the top inch is dry. They are delicate at this stage and need some protection from bright light to readjust from the lower light indoor conditions. Unless the weather has been hot and dry, you probably don’t need to water it 2x a day. Just because it’s wilting doesn’t mean it needs water. When roots are stressed, they cannot supply the leaves with nutrients thereby causing them to wilt. You may be stressing the roots by overwatering . Shade it and don’t soak the soil. Hopefully, the roots will recover.

  • kimberly
    May 12th, 2007 at 4:47 pm · Reply

    My Confederate Rose tree is about three feet tall and I want to transplant it because I believe it is not blooming and looking unhealthy because it is in a shady location. What is the best way and time to do relocate it to a sunny spot. I live in North Florida.

    You can move it now in the spring . Dig up as much of the root ball as possible without breaking it up. Once planted, water it thoroughly and then allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Keep the tree moist – not wet in its new spot.

  • Nancy Campbell
    May 20th, 2007 at 6:38 pm · Reply

    I need to know If the roots will go to the sewer line are mess up the slab of the house. My rose is planted 2 ft. from the house and the sewer line runs close. If so how deep are the roots and what should I do about it. Thanks Nancy

    Confederate rose can grow up to 15′ tall and 10-12′ wide. If yours is planted 2′ from the house, I would suggest that you move it further out so that not only it has room to grow but keep the roots away from your sewer line. Roots can grow past the drip line- in search of water, so if a shrub/tree is 10 ft. wide, expect the roots to extends 6-7′ from the radius (center) of the shrub

  • v carney
    October 18th, 2007 at 10:51 am · Reply

    i have a Confederate Rose i would like to move when is the best time to move?

    Best time to transplant a confederate rose is in early spring.

  • amy hinkle
    December 31st, 2007 at 4:03 pm · Reply

    I live in zone 7 and have just put some cuttings in a quart of water. I don’t get full sun in any part of my trailer because it faces west. Where would be a good place to put them for the light?

    The cuttings don’t need full sun. Indirect light will do just fine. When the cuttings root, pot them up, and then place them in brighter light (full to part shade)-by that time they may even be able to go outdoors.

  • amy hinkle
    January 16th, 2008 at 11:05 pm · Reply

    The cuttings that I’m rooting in a jar are smelling pretty bad right now. What can I do about the smell of stench? I was told not to change the water just add more as needed.

    Hi Amy,
    If the water is smelling bad that means there is some kind of bacterial or fungal growth going on. I would definitely change the water, clean the container with a 10% bleach solution and rinse out the roots under running water (if you have any). Check the cuttings, if they are soft, mushy then you will need to start all over with new cuttings. Try again in early spring.

  • Brenda
    January 18th, 2008 at 7:25 pm · Reply

    I like the information I found here thank you

  • Debby
    January 26th, 2008 at 12:07 pm · Reply

    I recently brought home 4 Confederate Rose cuttings from my mother in South Carolina. They’re are in water and doing wonderful! Problem: I live in Idaho ( Zone 4), can I plant these anywhere outside or do I have keep them inside?

    Hi Debby
    Unfortunately, Confederate Rose is hardy in zone 8-10 a much warmer climate. You will need to grow it in a container outdoors and bring it indoors for the winter.

  • Shirley
    January 31st, 2008 at 9:57 pm · Reply

    Comment on Plant & Gardening Tips, for topic: Confederate Rose

    I really need help. I have 2 Confederate Roses. One is about 7 to 10 feet tall and is planted next to a Cedar tree and a Crape Myrtle tree. I really need to move it but I don’t know if I need to trim it back before I move it or after I move it. Any help will be very useful to me.
    Thank you. I forgot to say that I live in Texas about 50 miles north of Houston.
    Thanks again.
    Shirley

    Hi Shirley
    Confederate rose does not like to be crowded. The best time to move it is in the spring before bud break. You can trim the branches by 1/2 or more before you move it. They bloom in the fall on current season growth, so late winter/earlyspring is a good time to prune.

  • Shirley
    February 16th, 2008 at 10:59 am · Reply

    Transplanting confederate rose
    I have 2 Confederate Roses. One is about 10 ft. tall and is already leafing out. This is the one that I need to move. The other comes back from the roots. It only gets about 4 ft. tall. The tall Rose is a double flower and is so pretty when it opens up. The small Rose is a single bloom. Why is one so tall and the other so short? I really need to move the tall Rose but I don’t dare to cut it back since it is leafing out. I know that it is only the middle of February but in Texas the weather is crazy. So what can I do to move it?

    Early spring is a good time to move it. Cut it down by 2/3 or even to a 6 inch stub and dig it up with a root ball of at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Reducing the size will give the transplant a better chance to reacclimate. Replant and give it a good watering. It should root and send out new growth as the weather warms up. Confederate rose dies back in colder areas and regrows the following season.
    It is possible that the smaller single bloom hibiscus is Hibiscus coccineus Texas Star Hibiscus (lobed leaves) or Hibiscus moscheutos (large dinner plate size flowers). Both are perennial hibiscus that die back in winter and return in spring.

  • shirley
    February 18th, 2008 at 8:31 pm · Reply

    The small plant is a Confederate Rose also. I have 3 Star of Texas hibiscus and they aren’t the same. The leaves are different and so are the blooms. The tall Confederate Rose is about 10 feet tall and loaded with budding leaves and I know that the roots are tangled with the Crape Myrtle and the Cedar so how am I to cut it back to 6 inches.

    You can cut it back to half its size if you want but you need to get as many roots as possible (at least 12 wide and 12 deep rootball) even if they are tangled with other plants. When transplanting, the less leaf growth, the better chance for the roots to regrow because they don’t have to spend all their energy supporting the growing leaves that’s why the plant will wilt after transplanting. If you are unconfortable transplanting at this time you may want to wait till next early winter when the tree is dormant otherwise you need to transplant soon before the leaves are fully opened.

  • Anne Briggs
    March 3rd, 2008 at 11:19 am · Reply

    I have gone from 8 flowers beds to having to learn to container garden and have just been given 2 healthy sprigs of confedrate rose. Great roots. Can I plant them in a container and where should I put them?

    You can plant them in well drained soil in large containers. Start with part shade and eventually ease the new plantings into full sun.

  • Cindy Everage
    May 7th, 2008 at 10:30 am · Reply

    Pruning Confederate rose

    I have a Confederate Rose Tree that is at least 15 feet tall but is scraggley I think due to the whiteflies we had at the end of it’s blooming season last year. I live in Jacksonville Beach, Florida and want to know since it is May, is it too late to prune back. I read your other articles but you said early spring for pruning. This was a tree my Mother gave my Husband and she died in October. We already lost the original tree and this is a cutting that has prospered. Help.

    Hi Cindy
    You can prune it back in late spring but because Confederate rose produces flower buds on current season’s growth you will sacrifice or delay flowering. According to University of Fla. to control the size without completely loosing all flowers, prune 1/3 to 1/2 of the branches and then wait a month and prune the rest. Light pruning can be done anytime except late fall.

  • Phyl
    May 31st, 2008 at 2:30 pm · Reply

    When I trimmed my Confederate Rose I kept a number of cuttings which I put in Root Tone and then into a flower pot with dirt. Two months later the leaves are as big as my hand. (Size 8 for reference)

  • Les
    July 16th, 2008 at 2:23 pm · Reply

    Our recent growth leaves on the Confederate roses has curled up and is tight and twisted.The plants do not appear to be dying but are strange looking. The earlier leaves were and are just fine. This did not happen last year!! What is going on?? I’ve just dusted them with Sevin, but…..
    Any ideas?

    Twisted and distorted leaves can be the result of insect damage such as aphids. You don’t mention what you used the Sevin for.

  • Les
    July 19th, 2008 at 7:15 am · Reply

    To follow-up on my question regarding twisting & curling leaves. I used the Sevin dust as a precautionary measure against mites or Aphids although I did not see any insects. Is there any thing else that you might suggest I do?

    The twisting & curling leaves may also be the result of herbicide drift damage. If anyone has sprayed with a chemical that contains 24D or weed-b-gon on a windy day closeby, the wind can carry the herbicide to the new leaves and cause damage. Viral infection can also cause distorted leaves. If you find aphids on the tree, a milder solution is to use a hard spray of water or insecticidal soap. The tree may recover on its own and unless you find insects then there is nothing you can.
    To avoid plant injury from spraying chemicals you should make sure that the plant is not under stress (too dry or too wet). Apply insecticide early in the morning before the plant is in full sun and when temperatures are below 90F (if above do not spray your plants). Also check the label

  • janel
    July 20th, 2008 at 11:25 am · Reply

    To the people looking for Confederate Rose seeds - I bought seeds on Ebay about 2 years ago and I planted in a pot just a few weeks ago and they all sprouted. Today I moved them to their own pots (even though I’ve just read above that I should have waited until the stems were woody). Since it’s July and I live in Jacksonville Florida I think I’ll replant them all again (I have about 18 that sprouted out of about 20 seeds) into bigger pots (2 or 3 gallon) when they are much bigger and wait until next spring to plant outside. I figured this way I can still bring them in on the days we have a freeze warning until they’re nice and strong. So yes it is possible to grow Confederate rose from seeds and that’s a good place to find people selling seeds from their own stock :) Good luck!

  • Glenda Smith
    August 30th, 2008 at 1:27 pm · Reply

    my confederate roses have little white mite looking bugs on them & they are eating the leaves , how can i get rid of them ? Thanks Glenda

    Hi Glenda
    Do the white bugs fly? If so they may be white fly.

  • Cheryl
    September 14th, 2008 at 7:46 am · Reply

    i have green worms on the leaves of my confederate rose bush. how can i get rid of them without damaging the flower buds

    Hi Cheryl
    Try spraying the leaves with Bacillus thuringiensis sold as Dipel, Bactur, Thuricide. BT is a safe biological control which the caterpillars must eat for it to be effective. Spray the plant when they a feeding. Once the caterpillar chews on the leaves and eats the parasitic bacteria it will die within 24 hours.

  • JanLH
    September 25th, 2008 at 9:35 am · Reply

    I have been told that the plant I have growing in the back yard maybe a confederate rose.
    When we moved into the house (Mobile Alabama) this past spring it was cut to the ground. A friend claimed it it was a fig tree because of its broad flat leaves, & we almost dug it out as it is right at the edge of the patio, but just never got around to it. Now 7 months later it is abt 12 ft tall, and starting to bloom huge gorgeous pink flowers on the top of the canopy of the plant..the buds almost look like a peonies and there are hundreds of them, The flowers, when open are huge (abt 8″ accross) and look almost like tissue paper flowers.
    Does this sound like a confederate rose?
    I know it is hard to guess, but if so, I would love to know how to get it to produce more plants.

    Hi Jan
    It does sound like a Confederate rose ( Hibiscus mutabilis). They are very impressive this time of year. For a picture see http://www.floridata.com/plant1/plantbynumber.cfm?FDID=281.
    There are several ways to propagate your confederate rose. Fall- try rooting your cutting a a bucket of damp sand instead of water and keep it out of direct sunlight. You will have to store it in a cool (not freezing) spot for the winter. If that doesn’t work try it in the spring with new growth. Start with pencil thick 5-6 inch cutting of firm new growth, strip off the lower leaves and insert cutting in a mix of 3 parts sand to 1 part peat. Rooting is quicker and should take 4-5 weeks. Transplant when the plant is dormant or in early spring

  • JanLH
    October 7th, 2008 at 9:48 am · Reply

    Yep thats it, thanks so much for your information on this flowering plant, in all my years in the south I have never before seen one. I definetly plan to try to produce new ones from this. As it is absolutely gorgeous, and over 2 weeks later from my first post, it is still blooming and still has tons of unopened blooms to go, What a treasure to find!

  • JanLH
    October 7th, 2008 at 9:52 am · Reply

    I do have one other question, when we moved into this home in March, the plant was cut back to the ground, it obviously thrived in spite of that, since its probably 20ft tall now..Should I cut it back again this winter? Or is it better left alone?
    thanks
    Jan

    Hi Jan
    Confederate rose can be cut back to a foot off the ground in the winter and will come back from the roots and bloom each year. Your tree is fool proof of that. Mulch the roots with woodchips etc. to protect the roots in winter.

  • Janet
    November 1st, 2008 at 6:21 am · Reply

    I llive in N. Florida and my father has just pruchased several Confederate Roses from a nursery for me. They have several buds are are 1Ft to 3 ft. tall. Should I kep them in the nursery pots until spring and perhaps keep them in the garage? Or is it possible to plant them now?

    Hi Janet
    Confederate Jasmine is hardy in zone 7-9. Florida is in zone 9. You can plant them now. They should have enough time to establish before any frost comes along and may keep blooming thru November. When the weather gets colder, be sure to mulch the plant to protect it from winter cold. It will drop its leaves after a frost but will regrow in the spring. The ideal time to plant is spring but I think it will have a better survival rate planted outdoors.

  • Nancy
    November 1st, 2008 at 12:33 pm · Reply

    Is confederate rose propagated using the woody stem or the green stem? Can the roses be used for cut flowers?

    Hi Nancy
    Confederate rose cuttings can be propagated both ways. It depends on what time of year you are taking the cuttings. The best time to take cutting is before the first freeze-these should be semi-hardwood cuttings. Place the cuttings in jars of water in a warm, sunny east window. They should root in about 8 weeks.
    I have not used them as cut flowers but I would guess that they would make a great cut flower. Let us know.

  • Phil
    December 13th, 2008 at 10:43 am · Reply

    I live in Arkansas, Zone 7a. I purchased a balled confederate rose (4″ ball, 10″ shoot)from a mail order nursery. Is it OK to plant in the ground now in mid December or should I possibly pot it & keep it indoors or in the cool garage to keep it out of the coldest part of the winter & plant it next spring?

    Hi Phil
    Given the eradic weather patterns we experiencing, I would pot it up and keep your Confederate rose in a cool garage until the worst part of winter is over then plant it in early spring.

  • Ginny
    December 17th, 2008 at 10:24 am · Reply

    My confederate rose is huge and I am thinking about doing some drastic pruning. It has spread out to about 25 feet and is at least 15 feet tall. Should I wait for early spring, say April or May or can this be done in December or January. I live in south Georgia

    Hi Ginny
    You can prune your Confederate rose while it is dormant; at the end of winter, no later than early spring before new growth starts and treat of frost has passed.

  • Chris
    March 8th, 2009 at 4:56 pm · Reply

    My mother-n-law dug up a small Confederate rose bush/tree to give me but forgot about it and waited three weeks to give it to me. I planted it day before yesterday and have been giving it plenty of water ever since. I looks like three sticks sticking out of the ground. Do you think it can be saved or was it to late? Thanks.

    Hi Chris
    I guess its wait and see what happens. If the roots were kept moist there may be a good chance it will survive.

  • Jim Horn
    April 3rd, 2009 at 6:11 pm · Reply

    Bought four confederate rose plants about two feet high and planted them in early last spring. Planted them on all 4 sides of my house. Ones on south, west and north did not do to good. One on west side had one bloom. The one on east side with half sun grew great with 6 blooms. Cut it back and cut off sprigs from all trees. Sprigs from east side tree are only ones that grew and have green leaves on the end of them. Kept them in garage in half way in water all winter. Gardening is a pure guess and a gamble. Don’t ever give up trying. If 25% come up good that is better then none at all.
    Jim Horn
    Bolivia, NC

    Great insight! Thanks for the words of wisdom.

  • Janet
    April 9th, 2009 at 1:57 pm · Reply

    A friend of mine gave me a confederate Rose last year & it never really bloomed. I got a few & then then dropped doff. I never cut it back & not real sure what to do with it. Right now it looks like a bunch of dead sticks sticking out of the ground.

    Hi Janet
    Cut your confederate rose sticks by 1/2 or up to 6 inches above the soil line (usually done in early spring). If the roots are healthy, it will come back fuller and better. They die back to the ground in marginally hardy areas and come back in spring so don’t be afraid to prune it.

  • Greg
    April 10th, 2009 at 11:32 am · Reply

    Hi , excellent site ! What is a good price to pay for Confederate Rose cuttings? A local store is selling them for $3.00 for a foot long cutting which are quarter size or more in diameter.They look very healthy in my opinion.Is this a good price or no?

    Hi Greg
    It sounds like a good price.

  • Katie
    April 11th, 2009 at 5:34 am · Reply

    how can i move a confederate rose with out killing it? the plant is about 12 feet tall and the bottom of it i can not but my arms around. my mom is wanting half of the plant. what should i do?

  • Lucy
    April 22nd, 2009 at 2:28 pm · Reply

    I planted a confederate rose sprig last spring. It lived all summer, bloomed a few blooms and was a healthy plant. I did not take it up in the winter. Is it dead now? Or do I have to be a little more patient? Thanks,
    Lucy

    Hi Lucy,
    If you live in a marginal climate for confederate rose then there’s the possibility that it died down to the ground but may come back when the soil warms up. Be patient, it may still sprout up.

  • Emmie
    April 24th, 2009 at 7:20 am · Reply

    I planted three confederate roses last year in early fall. I am in zone 9 by the way. So far this year there is no growth at all. What did I do wrong? Is there any chance they will come back? Please help.

    Did they die back to the ground? If they were too cold in the winter they will die back and regrow from the ground. Conferderate rose like warm soil temperature. Give them a little more time to come back.

  • acrocker
    May 5th, 2009 at 6:14 am · Reply

    had to cut back my confed.rose it was taking over walk way so my mother and husband finally talked me into
    this past yr.it hasnt got a shred of life to it.at least i dont think.give it more time or dig it up?

    Give it more time.

  • Tony
    May 6th, 2009 at 3:54 pm · Reply

    I need to plant some Cupressus semperviens’Glauca’ pencil pine along fence line the area between the concrete and the fence is only 1 foot do they have a large root ball.

    HI Tony
    I don’t think 1 foot is enough for the pencil pine. The root ball is dependant on the size of the overall plant. They will need more room for root growth. More info on the cypress

  • karen
    May 10th, 2009 at 5:02 pm · Reply

    Plant rooted cuttings
    I need help. Someone gave me some cuttings of a Confederate Rose. They are already rooted. He gave me 6 of them & they are all any where from 3 feet tall to 5 feet tall. They have new growth at the very top of the stick. My question is , can I plant these in the ground now & is there anything I need to do for them when I do & will they do ok planting them because they are such tall sticks w/ new growth at the top? I live in North east Alabama.

    Hi Karen
    Plant them in the ground and give them a good watering. Cut the stems back by 1/3-1/2 to get a bushy, sturdy stems.

  • Debbie
    June 14th, 2009 at 4:13 pm · Reply

    We have a Confederate Rose tree in our backyard and it has suddenly gotten droopy and alot of yellow leaves. We haven’t done anything different to it. When it started to look like that I watered it but it didn’t help. It has been in the 90’s for the last few weeks but it was that hot last year and we had no problem. We didn’t even water it. Please help me, it makes some gorgeous flowers. I don’t want to lose it.

    Hi Debbie,
    Each year growth is different. It could be a number of things. It could be too much water or not enough. A plant will shed its leaves when the roots cannot keep up with the top growth. Too much water and not enough water can cause the plant to shed its leaves. Prior to the heat wave, have you had a lot of rain? If the soil is soaked and the plant is still wilting, then its a root problem-possibly from too much water. If the plant responds to a good soaking then you’ll know what it needed.

  • Jo Ann
    June 25th, 2009 at 11:00 am · Reply

    I have just rooted several cuttings from a Confederate Rose plant. I have enjoyed reading all of the comments and am looking forward to being able to share some of my rootings with my family.

  • Norma
    June 25th, 2009 at 12:38 pm · Reply

    Our Confederate Rose is trying to bloom. It has several
    buds and one bloom. It is June and usually doesn’t bloom
    until October. We live in the Dallas area. Is it confused?
    This past week has been very hot. It is in a sunny location.

    It may be confused-the crazy weather will do that.

  • Priscilla Jackson
    July 2nd, 2009 at 11:42 am · Reply

    I planted a Confederate Rose cutting that almost didn’t make through the past winter, I planted it around early May. My problem is it is in shade in the morning hours (til about 10 am) shade in late afternoon, full sun the rest of the day. The leaves get REAL droopy when in the sun, is this normal? The parent plant is in shade most of the day and is doing great! I’m in Northeast Mississippi (zone 7)

  • debbie
    July 17th, 2009 at 7:26 am · Reply

    the leaves are falling off my confederate rose tree.they turn yellow then fall off what can i do? i live in florida last year had beautiful blooms this year nothing help

    Have you had a lot of rain?

  • Edith
    July 18th, 2009 at 4:21 pm · Reply

    Planting in hot weather
    Hi I just bought a Confederate Rose about 2 ft tall in pot. can I plant in yard in this hot central Al weather?

    Hi Edith
    Planting your confederate rose would be better on cooler,cloudy days to avoid leaf transpiration and transplant shock, that is why its usally better to plant in spring or fall. If you do plant, make sure you keep it well watered, mulch around the plant and provide some shade (a large umbrella would work).

  • Phil
    July 25th, 2009 at 11:30 am · Reply

    Hi, I took some cuttings earlier this month, even though I heard spring and fall were best. I put them in a good sized jar with some willow water, and they formed roots in less than 2 weeks. I put the cuttings in 30% potting mix 30% peat and 30% perlite, gave it a good soaking, put it in some decent shade, and now it is the 25th and they have grown roots to the bottom of the container. This really is an easy plant to propagate. Compared to others that is. It has been really humid here in mid GA so maybe that helped. I think shade and humidity for the cuttings are the most important things.

    Thanks for the tip! Phil

  • Jame Thomas Horn
    July 26th, 2009 at 6:21 am · Reply

    After CR has bloomed, can you actually make cuttings then?
    Jim Horn

    Hi Jim
    Yes, you can take cuttings after bloom. You can root green wood or semi-ripe nodal cuttings in summer and autumn with a bottom soil heat of 59-68F (15-20C).

  • Bill Martin
    August 3rd, 2009 at 5:55 am · Reply

    August 3,2009 My Confederate rose transplant,is about 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide.I need to move it,when is the best time and can I cut some of those small branches off and transplant them.It is a beautiful plant and I certainly don!t want it to die.Thanks for any help you can provide.

    hi Bill
    The best time to move it is in late winter/early spring when it is dormant. Cut it down by 2/3 or even to a 6 inch stub and dig it up with a root ball of at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Reducing the size will give the transplant a better chance to reacclimate. Replant and give it a good watering. It should root and send out new growth as the weather warms up. Confederate rose dies back in colder areas and regrows the following season.
    If you cut off some branches you need to root them before planting them in the ground.

  • Willette Corley
    September 22nd, 2009 at 1:05 pm · Reply

    My husband got a cutting of a confederate rose for me earlier this year (in May). He stuck it in a bucket of water outside and the cutting now has lots of roots. It is now the first day of fall (Sept 22). Is it too late in the season to plant in the ground in South Carolina?

  • Lydia Tisdale
    September 26th, 2009 at 5:17 am · Reply

    I have a Confederate Rose that I grew from seed. I have had it 3 years and it does not bloom. We live in SC and it is in full sun. I cut it back every spring and it comes back just fine. The tree I got the seeds from blooms beautifully. What do I need to do to incourage blooms?

  • Barbara
    October 2nd, 2009 at 2:28 pm · Reply

    Confederate rose toxic?
    Can you tell me if Confederate Rose is poisonous?
    Thanks.

    Hi Barbara
    I have not found any info that claims that it is poisonous. Hibiscus sp. are listed as non-toxic. In fact, in one variety (H. sabdarifla) the flowers sepals (fruit) are used to make a drink.

  • Stan Takeshita
    October 6th, 2009 at 1:57 pm · Reply

    Please tell me how the flower got its name. My wife said it had to do something about the civil war.

    Hi Stan
    The legend is that the flower changes color from light pink to dark red as the day goes on. It soaks up the blood that was shed on the fields during the Civil war.
    After the Civil war impoverished Southern gardeners grew this shrub because it was easily propagated and was a good substitute for shrubs they could not afford.

  • elizabeth burdick
    October 8th, 2009 at 7:00 pm · Reply

    Elizabeth I have two confederate roses that are six years old, I’ve never cut them back so there big and wide but they only have light pink and dark pink flowers what can I do to get white flowers? I do see some down the road with all three colors.I have also gave many cuttings from them they are very easy to root.

  • Jerry Campbell
    October 9th, 2009 at 11:27 am · Reply

    How do I collect seed from the Confederate Rose?

  • Joyce S. Speares
    October 15th, 2009 at 5:23 pm · Reply

    Gall midge
    I have had a Confederate Rose bush in my yard for about
    4 years and it has been simply beautiful until this year. I have noticed tiny white worms in the bud before it turns yellow and doesn’t make a flower.What could be the problem? Would appreciate your help.
    Thanks.

    HI Joyce
    You may have gall midge – a small fly that infests flower buds. http://www.trop-hibiscus.com/g.midge.html

  • M Gaskill
    November 3rd, 2009 at 9:01 am · Reply

    I have inherited a Confederate Rose that is still in a pot even though I know it has been outdoors for many years. I thought it was dead, but sat it under a tree until I could decide what to do with it. Overnight it has grown leaves and is blooming. My question is should I wait to plant it until the Spring? Also, I’m not sure where to plant it. I live in eastern North Carolina. Thank you for your help.

    You could plant it now or in the spring. Plant it in a sunny area with well drained soil. Allow room for it to spread. If you plant it in the fall be sure to mulch the roots after a hard freeze. The top of the plant will die back from frost. If that happens, cut down the plant to 4 inches above the ground and it should grow back from the roots next spring.

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