This group includes plants like Rose-of-Sharon (sometimes called althea), and a range of mallow plants, including Confederate Rose Mallow. The hardiness of different types varies, so be sure to check with a local plant nursery to see what works well in your specific area.

 

These varieties are classic tropical flowers and come in many vibrant colors. They tend to bloom longer than their hardy cousins, and their flowers are more exotic looking, with ruffled edges, multi-colored patterns, and petals that span up to 10 inches! They're fragile when it comes to temperature, so if you don't live somewhere tropical, make sure you've got a heated indoor space for your plant to overwinter.