Memory can be a pesky thing… Your confederate rose? I only remember seeing it once and that was at Bellingrath Gardens, near Bayou La Batre AL south of Mobile. If you like flowers it’s a great place to visit.This is our Confederate Rose, Its almost as pretty as our heretage and sweet southern culture.
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At the time I was a 10yrold kid who did not want to be there. The last thing I wanted to do was look at flowers. Strangely, as soon as I saw your photo I knew where I’d seen it before, more than 50 years ago.
The first thing I knew about your photo is that it is a Hibicus in the Mallow family of plants. It’s not really a Rose. A little research later… the flowers were given to returning confederate soldiers by the ladies of Mobile.
The latin name of your rose is Hibiscus mutabilis, it’s from China… There are a few native giant Hibiscus species… like the Hibiscus coccineus, called Texas Star. My mom has it growing in the yard.
Other mallow family plants you know… Cotton, as in bluejeans and tshirts… and Okra, as in fried, boiled and pickled. If you look at the leaves of your plant you’ll see how closely they resemble okra or cotton.
Your confederate rose is nice, no one around here grows it that I’ve noticed.
Mmmm. Cornbread with butter and honey.
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