Other Names:  Rose Mallow, Hardy Hibiscus

Brand:  Walters Gardens

Description:

Showy, gigantic, ruffled white flowers have a pink cast, with cherry red eyes, and dark pink veins; the flowers really make a bold statement when contrasted by the deep burgundy to near-black foliage; do not allow to dry to wilting point

Ornamental Features

Dark Mystery Hibiscus features bold white round flowers with shell pink overtones, cherry red eyes and pink veins at the ends of the stems from mid summer to early fall. Its attractive large glossy lobed leaves emerge dark red in spring, turning burgundy in color with showy dark green variegation and tinges of black throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Dark Mystery Hibiscus is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other garden plants with finer foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects
• Self-Seeding

Dark Mystery Hibiscus is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Dark Mystery Hibiscus will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 5 feet apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.