Late summer belongs to the Mallow family. They grow from the tropics to the desert and there's a good chance you have a member of this plant family in your yard whether you know it or not.

Redvein Indian Mallow    Abutilon striatum 

The golf-ball-sized, pendulous flowers of this tropical plant attract bumblebees and decorate the branches throughout the summer and early fall.

Chater's Double Hollyhock   Alcea rosea 'Chater's Double'

Hollyhocks are an easily recognized perennial that can reach heights of 7 feet.

Marsh Mallow     Althea officinalis 

Marshmallow sweets were once made from the root extract of this plant.

Anne Arundel Hardy Hibiscus     Hibiscus  'Anne Arundel'

This is an easy-to-grow, cold-hardy hibiscus with pink flowers the size of a small plate.

Fireball Hibiscus   Hibiscus  'Fireball'

The large, gorgeous flowers of this perennial can give your garden a nice tropical look.

Disco Bell Mix Hibiscus    Hibiscus  'Disco Bell Mix'

This is our largest flowered hibiscus in the garden. Its flowers can be larger than a dinner plate and its leaves and roots were once used to treat dysentery, lung ailments and bladder inflammation.

Kopper King   Hibiscus  'Kopper King'

The large white flowers contrast nicely against the copper-red, maple-shaped leaves.

Southern Hibiscus   Hibiscus coccineus  

Native to the southeast United States, it can grow up to ten feet tall.

Hibiscus syriacus  

Hibiscus syriacus  'Diana'

Hibiscus syriacus  'Blue Satin'

Hibiscus syriacus  'Pink Giant'

Hibiscus syriacus  'Notwood Two'

Munro's Globemallow     Sphaeralcea munroana  

This beautiful native grows to two feet tall and attracts native pollinators.

Desert Globemallow   Spharalcea coccinea  

This handsome native grows low and likes sandy soil.

Cheeses Mallow    Malva neglecta  

And finally, we all recognize this one. It pops up in our gardens, flower beds and lawn. Its deep tap root can sometimes prove very difficult to remove.

Before the Garden dresses in its fall coat, come take a stroll and enjoy the hibiscus and other mallows that are putting on a show.