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Rock Hibiscus

Hibiscus denudatus

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1 gallon

Rock Hibiscus

Out of stock

2'x2'

Sizes:

Rock Hibiscus — Hibiscus denudatus

Also known as: Desert Hibiscus, Rock Rose Mallow, Paleface

A subtle but beautiful addition to the pollinator garden, Rock Hibiscus is in the mallow family but isn’t as bold or leafy as Desert Globe Mallow. This low-growing desert subshrub typically reaches 1.5 to 2 feet tall, with sparse gray-green foliage on slender stems. What it lacks in volume, it makes up for in charm: the delicate, bowl-shaped flowers range from white to pale pink or lavender, often with a deeper blush toward the center. The bright yellow, brush-like column of stamens and stigma stands upright in the flower’s center, making a striking contrast.

Rock Hibiscus blooms in response to rainfall and tends to flower over a long season, from spring through fall, especially at lower elevations. Found naturally on rocky slopes, canyon walls, and sandy washes, it thrives in dry, well-drained soils from below 1,000 feet up to about 4,000 feet, blooming earlier at lower elevations and later in the summer at higher elevations. It is native to the Colorado, Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts and well adapted to extreme drought conditions.

While it may not be flashy, Rock Hibiscus is a reliable and graceful way to support pollinators and bring subtle beauty to desert landscapes.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak (Strymon istapa); Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus); Arizona Powdered-Skipper (Systasea zampa); Northern White-Skipper (Heliopetes ericetorum)

Nectar Source: Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus); Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui); California Patch (Chlosyne californica); White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata); Tarantula Hawk Wasp (Pepsis spp.)

Bird Resources: Nectar; Insects
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Bees: Attracts native bees, especially small solitary bees from the Halictidae and Andrenidae families

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low; Moderate

Exposure:

Filtered Sun; Filtered Shade

Mature size:

2'x2'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Pink; Purple

Flower season:

Spring; Summer; Fall

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

20 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.