Height:

4.0-4.5 Feet

Spread:

4.5-5.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Red shades

Foliage Color:

Near-black shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Midsummer Late Summer Early Fall

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Bee Friendly

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Growth Rate:

Rapid

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic Rain Garden

Other Features:

Bog Plant Border Plant Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Native to North America

Hibiscus love the sun and need moist, well-drained soil. Keeping these plants watered will result in larger flowers and lush foliage. Deadheading will improve the appearance of the plant. It is best to plant Hibiscus in the garden before the heat of the summer arrives, and should be heavily mulched the first winter. In spring, cut back any remaining stems before new growth appears. A strong pair of loppers or a saw will be necessary to cut this plant back. Be advised that Hibiscus is always one of the last perennials to emerge in spring. Its vigorous growth rate more than makes up for this late start, however. Japanese beetles find these plants especially delicious.

Growing Temperature:

65-72° F day and night (rooting out) then warmer

Soil PH:

5.5-6.2

EC (What is EC?):

2.5-3.5 pour through method

Fertility:

Keep plants well-watered and well-fed. 150-200 ppm N will encourage vigorous growth.

Vernalization:

Not required.

Pests & Diseases:

Aphids, caterpillars, Japanese beetles, mealybugs, scale, spider mites, thrips, and whitefilies are often observed on Hibiscus.
Botrytis, Leaf spots, Alternaria and Cercospora, Myrothecium, Phytophora, Pseudomonas, and rust.

Potting & Timing:

Bareroot plants can be trimmed to a 3-4" radius to fit the pot if necessary.
72s should be planted in 1 or 2 gallon containers and bareroot will need to go into 2 or 3 gallon containers.
Hibiscus can be pinched to encourage branching.  Soft pinch the shoots when they are 6-8" long, leaving 4-6 leaves on each branch.  Allow at least 6 weeks from pinching until the desired bloom date.

Moisture:

Consistent soil moisture is important. Never allow the plants to wilt or lower leaf loss, bud abortion and reduced quality characteristics will result.
Moist to moderate moisture requirements.

Planting Level:

Crown should be at or just above soil level.

PGRs/Pinching:

PGRs:  Spray B-Nine at 3750 ppm and Cycocel at 1000 ppm or Sumagic alone at 5-7.5 ppm. For bareroot, a drench of 0.25 Sumagic may be used on more vigorous varieties, followed up by PGR sprays as needed. For best results begin PGR applications about 5-7 days following a pinch (look for new shoot growth first), use at 7 day intervals if additional control is needed.

Lighting:

High light is required for growth. Dark foliage varieties need direct sunlight to achieve color. It is recommended to grow these outdoors.

Awards

Farwest Judges' Award of Merit -- 2018

Farwest People's Choice Award of Merit -- 2018

University of Guelph Consumer Top 10 Perennial -- 2020

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