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Bloom Color

Pink

Interesting Notes

Unlike any other flower in the garden, hardy hibiscus offer us flowers that are both huge and delicate, as if they were fashioned from crepe paper.The flowers range from a petite 3 or 4 inches across to the proverbial dinner plate, 8 to 12 inches in diameter! In the center of each impressive flower you'll find a prominent pistil and stamen structure that adds to their beauty.

For years the only hardy hibiscus colors available were white, pink and red. Thanks to plant collectors and breeders, you can now select some incredible color variations that can be poetically described as hot pink, raspberry, mauve, dusty rose and plum. The blooms of many varieties have a dark red center and a few have a ruffled edge. Others are bicolored or have attractive dark veins. While each bloom only lasts one day, hardy hibiscus are prolific, sometimes producing more than a hundred blooms in a season.

Traditionally, hardy hibiscus were large, rangy plants with large, rounded, medium-green leaves. Plant size now varies greatly, so be sure to take that into consideration when selecting a hardy hibiscus. Many of the new varieties offer smaller, lobed leaves and more compact plant habits.There are even a few with dark, reddish foliage.

As wonderful as they are, hardy hibiscus have one very frustrating quirk: they tend to be the very last plant to reappear in spring. In fact, many gardeners give up on them and dig them up. But it isn't uncommon at all for hardy hibiscus to wait until late May or early June (when the soil temperature approaches 70 º) to make their yearly debut. Looking on the bright side, this late habit makes them
great companion plants for spring-blooming bulbs. (http://www.bachmans.com/tipsheets/Perennials/HardyHibiscus.cfm)

Growing and Maintenance Tips

H. 'Plum Crazy' needs rich soils, consistant moisture and full sun. Also does well in clay soils. Good air circulation may help to prevent disease. Cut back stems to about 3-4" in Autumn. Mulch during winter to protect roots from frost and prune in early spring for bushier growth. Best effect when planted in groupings of 3 or more.