Common Name: Kankakee mallow
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Malvaceae
Native Range: Illinois, Indiana, Virginia, Wisconsin
Zone: 5 to 6
Height: 4.00 to 6.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to July
Bloom Description: Apple blossom to bluish pink
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Culture
Easily grown in moderately fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of hot and humid conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Iliamna remota is a wild hollyhock first discovered in 1872 on a gravelly river island (Langham Island) in the Kankakee River near Altorf, Illinois, where it still grows. It is not known to be native to any other area in the world, and is one of the rarest native American plants. A clump-forming, erect plant which features mallow-like, five-petaled flowers up to 2.5" across on spikes growing 4-6' tall. Flowers are apple blossom to bluish pink fading to white toward the center with a noticeable central column of stamens. Seven-lobed leaves are maple-like and to 6" across. Flowers bloom in early summer and then give way to pod-like fruits.
Genus name is of Greek derivation.
Specific epithet means scattered.
Problems
No significant insect or disease problems.
Uses
A rare and interesting plant for the border, naturalized garden or wildflower garden, but may be very difficult to find in commerce.