Confederate rose, Hibiscus mutabilis , is sometimes called the cotton rose, as the large, palmate foliage and flowers resemble those of the cotton plant, another mallow. Confederate rose will mature into a large shrub or small tree and is not too particular about soil, but it does prefer an acidic, fertile soil and especially one that drains well. Sun will produce the best blooms in summer and fall. The species bears double blooms that open white and change to deep pink by afternoon. The blooms close at night.
Altheas accept light shade, although they bloom best with some sun.
Good drainage is also preferred. The plants will grow upright and dense to approximately 12 feet, or they can be pruned as small trees. Altheas also make colorful hedges. Three years ago, I planted the remaining area with monkey grass. However, I cannot seem to get the ground cover to grow in that spot, which is 2 or 3 feet wide on the west side of the tree.