Hibiscus Dark Mystery
$19.00 $0.00 ( / )

Okay, Gardener, ready to up your shrub game? Hibiscus bushes are glamorous centerpieces for your garden beds. Their enormous, tropical blooms are the essence of summer - and are North American natives, if you can believe it! Each bloom lasts just one sweet day, but don't fret - as long as the hot sun is shining on it, your hibiscus will bloom and bloom all summer long. Growing up to 5 feet high and wide, they grow stronger and more prolific with every passing year, with more abundant blooms. Pop the petals in the blender with your Pina Colada. Add your sassy twisty straw. Sit in your favorite chair and stare at your Hibiscus. Delightful.

SHIPS Beginning the first week of April, or after your last frost date.
ZONEPerennial zones 4-10, annual in other zones
INCLUDES1 large bare root, planting instructions, and a wooden plant marker
Common NameRose Mallow

Spring Plant

SummerBloom

Fall Plant

Winter

Description

Romance is not dead. Heart shaped wine-colored leaves, cherry-red eye and tie-dye pink petals... swoon. These beauties are bold, add color to any landscape, and are so hearty and durable- just like love should be. ;-)

SPACING2-4ft between plants
LIGHTFull sun
HEIGHT4-5ft when full grown
DEER Deer resistant
KIDS+PETS Non-toxic, edible petals
CLIMATEPrefers hot weather for blooming, but is frost tolerant when dormant
WATER Regular water
INDOOR+POTSIn-ground or in a large container outdoors

How to Plant

Soak your Hibiscus root in room temperature water for about 2-4 hours to re-hydrate it before planting. Dig a whole about twice the size of the root, (or choose a pot about 3 times the size of the root), then fill it back in a bit so that you place the roots on soft soil, fanning them out gently at a depth just below the surface of the ground or rim of the pot. Fill in the hole around your Hibiscus with the remaining soil, tucking in the roots gently, so that the top of your plant (the crown) is level to the surface. The eyes should be covered by ½” - 2” of soil. Now give your roots a few solid pats to compress the soil around it, a long drink of water, and stick your Plantgem marker on the spot so you’ll remember where your Hibiscus lives now.

Where to Plant

Find a place with good, well-draining soil that gets mostly sun. Hibiscus flowers need lots and lots of sun to bloom. Space plants about 24" apart.

When to Plant

Plant Hibiscus within a few days of receiving, once the soil has warmed in the spring and there is no threat of frost or cold weather.

When to Expect Blooms

Sweet, sweet summertime. The longer and hotter the days get, the more they will bloom. Remove spent flowers to encourage more. Each bloom lasts only one day.

Care Instructions

Hibiscus bushes wants just the right amount of water: if the roots dry out it will drop all its leaves (it will come back with more buds, but it’s not the best look for it in the meantime) and it needs good drainage or the roots will rot. Stick your finger in the dirt on a regular basis to check for even moisture!

Extra Credit

Apply mulch around the base after new growth emerges to keep it warm, and provide support for your Hibiscus if it's in a windy spot. Petals can be harvested for teas, jams, and tropical drinks. Tart!