Right now, one of the few flowers blooming in the D.C. area is Rose Mallow. The Mallow family includes okra, cotton, hibiscus and hollyhock. I’m not sure why there aren’t more around–the blooms are the size of dinner plates and quite beautiful.
This plant is related to the Marsh Mallow, whose root was used as a remedy for sore throat in ancient Egypt. It’s also been used on bee stings and skin irritations. Supposedly, vegetarians have made marshmallows from the root so they could avoid animal gelatin.
One of the monikers for Rose Mallow is Hardy Hibiscus. It definitely reminds me of the hibiscus plants in California.
Rose Mallow comes in shades of red, pink and white. We have a red one in the area, but I’ve not been happy with my shots so far. It’s nearly always in full sun and the blossoms close up when the sun goes down. If we get a day that’s overcast, I may try it again.
According to Planet Botanic, “several centuries ago, a very chic dessert called paté de guimauve was made by grinding the root and adding the resulting powder to beaten egg whites and sugar. The end result, served at many a royal dinner, was also known as “marsh-mellows.”
I think I’ll stick with s’mores. 🙂 For anyone not familiar: a yummy treat made of graham crackers, toasted marshmallows and Hershey’s chocolate bars. Or Nutella. . . .
image via wesleying.org
{carole}
Pearls & Prose 
It’s a lovely flower. We have them here as well but rather lavender ones. From afar and up close.
That sweet looks very nice.
They are delicious, Caroline, especially when roasted over a wood fire outside.
I think that this may be the plant that is in my neighbor’s yard. I thought it was a hibiscus, but now that you posted these photos of the Rose Mallow, I see the similarities. The one in my neighbor’s yard is a deep, deep pink.
If the blooms are really big, it’s probably mallow; if they’re smaller, it’s Rose of Sharon.
But I know people on the East Coast who grow hibiscus in the summer (usually in pots) and then take them inside when temps drop.
Gorgeous blossoms. We’ve perfected s’mores at the campfire … marshmallow toasted on the stick, the graham crackers and chocolate ready … put the ‘mallow off the stick between … and enjoy. Particularly good if you can get the ‘mallow flaming before sandwiching it between the layers!
So true! I do them in the microwave if I’m desperate, but that campfire flavor is the best. 🙂
This is gorgeous and gives me some ideas. Stayed tuned for the help my mom gave me on my garden. It’s starting to look MUCH better. 🙂
Thank goodness for moms.
I thought your garden looked good before!