A seldom-seen annual or short-lived perennial, this easy-to-grow plant performs as the perfect filler in beds and containers. It forms a well-branched compact mound of deeply lobed, dark green leaves, which provide an interesting textural backdrop to its charming, hibiscus-type flowers. The flowers are truly stunning with their cream petals, purple-hued undersides, and deep burgundy centers. While each flower lasts only a single day, the plant blooms profusely all season and produces inflated seedpods. The flowers will not normally open on a cloudy day, but this is a small price to pay for such a gem of a plant.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsFlowers last only one day each. Interesting seedpods. Fast grower.
CarePut plants in a sunny spot with moist, well-drained, fertile soil.
PropagationSow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost or outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
ProblemsRust, fungal leaf spots, bacterial blight, Verticillium wilt, viruses, stem rots, root rots. Whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, mites, Japanese beetles, and caterpillars can also cause problems.
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- Genus : Hibiscus
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 10, 11
- Plant Type : Annuals
- Uses : Containers
- Bloom Time : Early Fall, Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Summer
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Light : Full Sun
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Flower Color : Pink, Red, White
- Characteristics : Showy Seed Heads
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
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