For landscaping

Hardy Hibiscus

Hibiscus


Hibiscus acetosella Mahogany Splendor (Mahogany Splendor Hibiscus) A fast growing perennial ( annual north of zone 8 ), reaching up to 6 x 5.4 feet, with coarsely-toothed, maple-like leaves. The foliage is deep burgundy-red to nearly black in color. It is mainly grown for its foliage since the pink flowers are small and inconspicuous. Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun. It tolerates severe heat as well as both drought, flooding and standing water. It is often tip pruned to encourage bushiness.

* photo taken on Sep 5 2012 in Burtonsville, MD

Hibiscus coccineus ( Texas Star )
An upright, bushy perennial, reaching up to 12 x 5 ( rarely over 10 ) feet that is native to wetland edges in the southeastern U.S. ( Arkansas to Virginia and south )
The Maple-like, mid-green foliage is sometimes said to resemble Cannabis in habit.
The scarlet-red flowers, up to 6 inches across, are borne early summer to mid autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 ( 6 with deep winter mulch ). Prefers moist to wet soil but can tolerate the occasional extended drought.
Propagation is from seed soaked for 24 hours before sowing during spring.
New plants should be installed during spring before active growth begins to ensure full establishment before winter begins.

* photo taken on Aug 21 2011 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD


Blaze Star
Reaches up to 6 feet, with scarlet-red flowers, up to 8 inches across, borne over a period lasting up to 2.5 months beginning mid summer.

Swamp Angel
Similar except for the flowers which are pure white!

Hibiscus grandiflorus ( Velvet Mallow )
A woody-stemmed perennial, reaching up to 8 x 6 feet, that is native to brackish marshes in the coastal southeastern U.S.
The huge Maple-like leaves are gray-green and velvety. The foliage makes it a great plant for adding a tropical appearance to a temperate climate.
The showy light pink flowers, up to 10 inches across, are borne during late summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 6a to 9 ( a deep winter mulch is recommended in zone 6 ). It is resistant to Japanese Beetle.

Hibiscus makinoi ( Makinos Mallow )
A massive perennial or woody shrub, reaching up to 15 feet, it is best cut to the ground during early spring each year for a more attractive bushy habit.
Makinos Mallow is native to Ryoku & Kyushu Islands in Japan.
The Maple-like leaves are green.
The flowers, up to 5 inches across, are deep pink in bud, opening to very pale pink.
Hardy zones 7b to 10 in full sun on fertile, moist soil.

Hibiscus moscheutos ( Rose Mallow )
A sub shrubby perennial that is native to marshes, salt marshes and swamps in the southeast U.S. ( southeast Nebraska to Michigan to Massachusetts; south to eastern Texas to northern Florida ) with most cultivars being hardy north to zone 5 if in a warm sheltered location. Variable in size but can reach a maximum of 10 x 6 feet on rich, moist soil though 5 x 5 feet is more typical. Excellent as a focal point, some of the smaller varieties can also be used in pots.
The luxuriant green foliage is maplelike and up to 10 inches in length.
The typically white with red center flowers are huge, up to 12 inches in width and are borne from mid summer to the first fall frost. They attract hummingbirds and butterflies. While the plants are sometimes considered deer resistant, I have had problems on one site with them chewing off the flower buds and the growing tips.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 ( mulch during winter in zones 4 and 5 ) in full sun to partial shade on fertile, humus-rich, moist soil. They are tolerant of temporary drought but it is best not to let them get to the point of wilting as they will drop lower leaves as well as flower buds. It can even be grown in 20 gallon containers with moisture retentive heavier potting soil.
Tolerates lots of heat and humidity, and actually requires hot summers and full sun to bloom well. Due to their requirement of heat for growth, most perennial Hibiscus are late emerging in spring, not until 10 days after the soil temperature reaches 60 F ( mulching during spring may delay growth ).
Planting during spring is best since in cold winter climates, it needs to be fully established to tolerate a cold winter. A thick mulch, up to 3 to 5 inches deep is also recommended during winter, especially the first winter. A thick winter mulch is also recommended north of zone 7. Cut plants back to 3 inches from the ground after the first hard fall freeze. Plants can also be cut back by 1/2 during early summer to encourage a compact bushy habit.
Cultivars are typically propagated by means of tissue culture however tip cuttings can also be used however it is essential to take them early in the season.
Japanese Beetles can severely damage the foliage on some sites. Hibiscus Sawfly is also an occasional problem which will also turn the foliage into lacy skeletins. If you suspect Sawfly is feeding on your plants, look for tiny green worms beneath the leaves. Japanese Beetles and Sawfly Larvae may eat the leaves - treat plants with Bayer Systemic if that occurs. Other problems may include leaf spot or rust though rare.


* photo taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.

* photos taken on July 16 2012 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario


* photo taken by Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora


Blue River II
Reaching up to 8 x 4 feet with massive, clear white dinner plate sized flowers up to 15 inches across in late summer.

* photo taken on July 21 2011 in Columbia, MD


Bordeaux
Dense and full, reaching up to 3.5 x 3.5 feet with luxuriant green, ovate foliage.
The abundant, red ( slightly tinged pink ) flowers, up to 10 inches across, appear mid summer through autumn.

* photo taken on Aug 2 2013 @ Stratford, Ontario


Chabilis
Reaching up to 4.5 x 7 feet and dense in habit. The ovate foliage is luxuriant green. The huge, pure white flowers, up to 10 inches across, appear from mid summer through autumn. Hardy zones 4 to 9

* photos taken on August 12 2011 in Ellicott City, MD







* photo taken on June 7 2012 in Ellicott City, MD
* photos taken on July 30 2012 in Ellicott City, MD
br />* photo taken on Aug 30 2013 in Ellicott City, MD


Cranberry Crush
Very vigorous, compact and dense in habit, reaching up to 4.3 x 5 feet ( 3.3 x 4 feet in 3 years ), bearing intense, scarlet-red flowers, up to 8 inches across, from early summer until autumn frost. A single plant may produce up to 20 stems.
The leathery, Maple-like leaves, up to 5 x 3 inches in size, are glossy, deep green, often purplish tinged.
Very drought tolerant.
Tolerates at least as cold as -30 F. Drought tolerant and resistant to insect damage.

Cristi
Reaches up to 6 feet, with huge, stunning shiny deep red flowers.

Crown Jewels
Compact in habit, reaching 4 x 4 feet.
The deeply-cut foliage is deep violet-purple.
The flowers, up to 10 inches across, are pure white with an intense deep red eye.
Very resistant to insect pests.
Hardy zones 4+, it tolerates at least as cold as -30 F and as hot as 110 F.

Disco Belle
Reaching up to 4 feet

Fantasia
A vigorous, compact, shrub-like perennial reaching up to 5 x 3 ( rarely over 3 ) feet in size.
Luxuriant mid-green, lobed, Maple like foliage compliments abundant flowers up to 9 inches across that are rose-pink with a red eye, being borne from mid-summer until autumn frost.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 ( tolerating at least as cold as -30 F ).
Very heat tolerant, to 110 F. Very resistant to insect pests.

Fireball
A vigorous, very sturdy, compact shrub-like perennial, reaching up to 6 x 8 ( rarely over 5 x 6 ) feet, with fine-textured, dissected, luxuriant purplish-green foliage.
The leaves are up to 6.5 x 6 inches in size.
The very profuse, huge, intense scarlet-red flowers, up to 12 inches across, are borne mid-summer until autumn frost.
Hardy zones 4 to 9, tolerating at least as cold as -30 F.
Very resistant to insect pests.

* photo taken on Aug 3 2011 in Columbia, MD




* photos taken on Sep 15 2011 in Columbia, MD



* photo taken on Aug 19 2012 in Harford Co., MD

* photos taken on Aug 18 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Sep 21 2013 in Harford Co., MD


Galaxy
Upright and strong growing, to 6 x 4 feet. The huge flowers up to 12 inches across are borne from June into October. The flowers can be either white, pink or red, usually all on the same plant but usually with a red center.

* photos of unknown internet source




Greenache
A dense and sturdy, shrub-like perennial reaching up to 5.2 x 8.3 ( rarely over 4 x 5 ) feet with luxuriant green ovate foliage and intense pure pink flowers up to 8 inches across in mid summer.

* photo taken on Aug 3 2011 in Columbia, MD



* photo taken on July 16 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on June 30 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Sep 10 2012 in Columbia, MD

Jazzberry Jam
Forms a dense, shrublike perennial to 5 x 7 feet.
The ruffled flowers are up to 9 inches across and are deep magenta-pink with a red eye.
The foliage is clean and deep green.
Hardy north to zone 4.

Kopper King
Reaches up to 5 x 6.3 feet with attractive, bronze-purple, deeply cut ( 3 or 5 Maple lobed ) foliage. The leaves are up to 6.5 x 5 inches in size.
The profuse, huge flowers, up to 12 inches across, are white with pink veins and a raspberry red center. Blooms from July until first fall frost.
Very resistant to insect pests.

* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.






* photo taken on August 2 2010 in Bayfield, Ontario

* photos taken on Sep 4 2011 in Harford Co, MD




* photos taken on July 14 2013 in Harford Co., MD



Lady Baltimore
Reaches up to 6 x 5 feet with attractive, deeply-cut, deep green leaves, up to 7 inches in length. The profuse flowers are large, to 10 inches across, are bright pink with a red center. The flowers are borne from July until first fall frost.

* photo taken on Aug 13 2011 in Ellicott City, MD

* photos taken on Aug 27 2011 in Columbia, MD


* photo taken on July 10 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Sep 5 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Sep 14 2013 in Columbia, MD


Lord Baltimore
Reaches up to 7 x 7 feet with deep green, deeply cut, attractive foliage. The profuse flowers are large, to 10 inches across, are brilliant scarlet red and ruffled. Blooms from July until first fall frost.

* photos taken on Sep 2 2010 in Clarksville, MD










* photos taken on July 16 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 31 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 17 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Sep 10 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on July 25 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Aug 25 2013 @ University of Maryland, College Park


Luna Blush

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Luna Pink Swirl
Sturdy, compact and vigorous, reaching up to 4.3 x 4.5 ( rarely over 3.5 ) feet, with abundant, pink flowers, up to 8 inches across, borne mid-summer until autumn frosts.
The attractive foliage is deep green.
Excellent for use in containers. Can be grown from seed.
Considered to be root hardy to -20 F, it is known to also survive and thrive in colder climates such as Thunder Bay, Ontario if supplied with reliable snow cover or thick winter mulch.

* photo taken on July 15 2013 in Columbia, MD


Luna Red
Sturdy, compact and vigorous, reaching up to 4.3 x 4.5 ( rarely over 3.5 ) feet, with abundant, deep red flowers, up to 8 inches across, borne mid-summer until autumn frosts.
The attractive foliage is deep green.
Excellent for use in containers. Can be grown from seed.
Considered to be root hardy to -20 F, it is known to also survive and thrive in colder climates such as Thunder Bay, Ontario if supplied with reliable snow cover or thick winter mulch.

* photos taken on Aug 2 2011 in Columbia, MD



* photos taken on July 28 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on July 10 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Aug 18 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Luna White
Sturdy, compact and vigorous, reaching up to 4.3 x 5.8 ( rarely over 3.5 ) feet, with abundant, pure white ( with red center ) flowers, up to 8 inches across, borne mid summer until autumn frosts.
The attractive foliage is mid-green.
Excellent for use in containers. Can be grown from seed.
Considered to be root hardy to -20 F, it is known to also survive and thrive in colder climates such as Thunder Bay, Ontario if supplied with reliable snow cover or thick winter mulch.

* photos taken on July 28 2012 in Columbia, MD* photos taken on July 2013 in Columbia, MD


Midnight Marvel
A rapid growing, spectacular, perennial Hibiscus, reaching up to 5 x 6 feet.
This Hibiscus is excellent for a focal point in the perennial border or as a seasonal hedgerow.
The deeply-lobed, Maple-shaped, blackish-purple foliage is even darker Kopper King. The foliage turns to attractive orange shades during autumn.
The very profuse, huge, deep red flowers, up to 10 inches across, are borne over an exceptionally long season lasting up to 12 weeks from mid July until mid autumn.

* photo taken on June 10 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on July 30 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Aug 2 2013 in Stratford, Ontario


Moon River II
Reaches up to 5 feet in height, with huge flowers, up to 10 inches across, that are pure white. The flowers are borne mid summer to early autumn.

Moy Grande
Bushy in habit, reaching up to 7 x 6.8 feet in size, with huge, abundant, bright rosy-red flowers, up to 16 inches across! The flowers, borne mid summer to early autumn are among the largest of all Hibiscus.
The luxuriant deep green foliage is not deeply-cut.
Hardy zones 5a+

Old Yella
Study, upright and bushy in habit, reaching up to 6 x 4 feet ( 4 x 2.5 feet in 2 years ).
The leaves are up to 6.5 x 5 inches in size.
The profuse, huge, thick flowers, up to 12 inches across, are very pale yellow with a red eye. The slightly ruffled flowers are bright yellow in bud.
Tolerates at least as cold as -30 F. Very resistant to insect pests.

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Peppermint Flare
Reaches up to 6 x 4 feet, with huge flowers, up to 10 inches across, that are white to very pale pink with a deep red center from which red specks radiate.

Pink Elephant
Reaches up to 6 x 5 feet, with huge, ruffled pink ( with red eye ) flowers, up to a foot across!

Plum Crazy
Vigorous and compact, to 4 x 3 feet ( 3.5 x 3 feet in 2 years ).
The purplish leaves, up to 5.5 x 4 inches, are 3-lobed and deeply dissected.
The plum-pink ( with deeper eye ) flowers, up to 10 inches across, are borne mid summer until autumn frosts.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 at least ( tolerating -30 F or colder if mulched deeply during winter ). It can also tolerate as high as 110 F.
Very resistant to Japanese Beetles.

* photo taken on July 10 2013 in Columbia, MD


Robert Fleming
Compact in habit, reaching up to 3 x 4 feet.
The crinkled leaves are deep green.
The profuse, huge, velvety, intense very deep red flowers, up to 10 inches across, are borne late June and well into autumn.
Very drought tolerant.

Royal Gem
Compact and upright in habit, reaching up to 4 x 3 feet.
The unusual foliage is ovate and deep purple. The leaves are up to 5 x 3.5 inches in size.
The intense pink ( with red eye ) flowers, up to 1 foot across, are borne mid summer to early autumn.
Hardy zones 4+ ( 3 with deep winter mulch )

* photos taken on July 25 2013 in Columbia, MD


Southern Belle
Rapid growing, sturdy and upright, to 4 x 3 feet with large, dense foliage. The hugeflowers are borne from July to first fall frost and are up to 10 inches across. They are white, rose pink to deep red.
Moderately deer resistant.

Summer Storm
A rapid growing, spectacular, perennial Hibiscus, reaching up to 5 x 6 feet.
This Hibiscus is excellent for a focal point in the perennial border or as a seasonal hedgerow.
The deeply-lobed, Maple-shaped, velvety, blackish-purple foliage is the deepest colored of all Hibiscus including Kopper King. The foliage turns to attractive orange shades during autumn.
The very profuse, huge flowers, up to 10 inches across, are borne over an exceptionally long season lasting up to 12 weeks from mid July until mid autumn. The flowers are light pink with a deep magenta-purple eye and radiating rose-pink veining.

* photo taken on Sep 29 2013 in Ellicott City, MD

* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Sweet Caroline
A large perennial up to 6 x 4 feet in size with luxuriant foliage that is bright green at first, later deepening to mid-green. The leaves are up to 7 x 5 inches in size.
The very large, ruffled flowers, up to 12 inches across, are bright pink with darker veins and a rose-red center.The flowers are borne over a very long season beginning mid-summer.
Hardy zone 4 to 9

* photos taken on July 21 2011 in Columbia, MD



* photo taken on July 28 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Aug 18 2013 in Columbia, MD


Hibiscus mutabilis ( Confederate Rose )
Native to China, in cold climates this is a massive perennial, reaching up to 12 feet. In tropical climates, it becomes a very fast growing, upright, branched, evergreen tree, reaching a maximum size of 27 x 12 feet.
The large, 5 to 7 lobed, palmate leaves are up to 10 inches in length. The foliage is deep green.
The flowers, up to 7 inches across, have up to 12 petals.
The blooms range in color from white to pink ( less often red ), and are borne mid summer until autumn frost.
They are followed by rounded seed capsules, up to 1 inch across.
Hardy zones 9 to 12 as a tree, 7 to 8 as a perennial.
Fertilize heavily, as it prefers very fertile, moist, fertile soil in full sun. Cultivars are easily rooted from cuttings.

* photo taken on October 17 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


Alba
The smaller, pure white flowers are double.

Plena
The double flowers open white, later deepening to deep rosy-red.

Raspberry Rose
A massive, vigorous perennial ( evergreen tree in the tropics ), reaching up to 12 x 10 feet.
The foliage is deep green.
The very profuse, huge, intense raspberry-red flowers, up to 10 inches across, are borne early summer to mid autumn.
Hardy zones 7 to 12 ( 6 with deep winter mulch ).

Hibiscus palustris
Native to North America, from Wisconsin to Massachussetts ( endangered in Ontario ), south to Louisiana to Florida; this perennial Hibiscus grows large to 5 feet or rarely even as much as 9 feet.
The middle stem leaves are 3 lobed and the flowers are borne from July to September. They are white, pink or purple and are up to 7 inches in width.
native to marshy areas in the wild, it prefers wet soil.

Hibiscus paramutabilis
A fast growing, very large perennial ( or woody plant in mild climates ), reaching up
to 10 x 6 feet.
The fuzzy, Maple-like leaves, up to 9 inches across, are mid-green.
The flowers, up to 4 inches across, are borne late summer until autumn frost.
Hardy zones 8b to 11 on moist to wet soil.

Shanghai Pink
Larger pink flowers, up to 6 inches across.
Hardy zones 7 to 9

Shanghai Red Eye
Pure white flowers that are bright red in the center.
Hardy north to zone 7b

Hibiscus Red Flyer
A hybrid between Hibiscus coccineus & H grandiflorus, that originated from Plant Delights Nursery.
It forms a very vigorous, monstrous perennial, reaching up to 12 feet in height.
The foliage is deeply-cut.
The intesne deep pinkish-red flowers are borne mid summer to autumn frost.

Hibiscus sinosyriacus ( Chinese Tree Mallow )
An open, spreading, fast growing large shrub or small tree native to China, that is similar to Hibiscus syriacus ( Rose of Sharon ) except with wider leaves ( to 8 inches across ) and thicker flower petals. The largest on record is 33 x 20 feet.
The Maple-like foliage is glossy deep green.
The large flowers reach up to 8 ( rarely over 4 ) inches across and are borne from August until October.
Prefers hot summer climates or where cool does best against a sunny wall.
Hardy zones 6 to 10 ( less hardy in cool summer climates ) in full sun on fertile soil.
Plant new plants in spring or fall and cut back all shoots to 2 inches of their base to get the plant started growing vigorously. Is best planted small because large plants are much tougher to get established. For better blooming, vigor and larger flowers of mature plants, prune in March and tip back shoots at that time, then deadhead faded blooms in summer. Old overgrown plants can be cut back hard in early spring.
Propagation is from green wood cuttings taken in late spring and also semi ripe cuttings in summer. Generally not grown from seed since while easy, the resulting plants can be very variable. Prefers moderately moist soil with lots of organic matter in sun or partial shade. This plant grows poorly and sparse in full shade.

* photo taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario


Autumn Surprise
Flowers are white with an intense red center.
Lilac Queen
Flowers are white flushed with lilac, centers are red.

Hibiscus syricaus ( Rose of Sharon )
An upright, vigorous, large shrub or small tree ( if trained ) that is native to western Asia and can reach up to 12 feet or more. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 3 feet; 10 years - 17 x 17 feet; largest on record - 33 x 33 feet!
The deep green, 3 narrow, coarsely triangular lobed leaves are up to 4 or rarely 6 inches in length.
The foliage persists late into the fall.
The flowers come in almost every color except for yellow and orange.
The flower petals are up to 3 inches in length.
The branches are smooth and gray.
Prefers hot summer climates or where cool does best against a sunny wall.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 and possibly 4 on a very sheltered site.
Plant new plants in spring or fall and cut back all shoots to 2 inches of their base to get the plant started growing vigorously. Is best planted small because large plants are much tougher to get established. For better blooming, vigor and larger flowers of mature plants, prune in March and tip back shoots at that time, then deadhead faded blooms in summer. Old overgrown plants can be cut back hard in early spring.
Propagation is from green wood cuttings taken in late spring or semi ripe cuttings in summer.
Generally not grown from seed since while easy, the resulting plants can be very variable.
Prefers moderately moist soil with lots of organic matter in sun or partial shade. This plant grows poorly and sparse in full shade. Japanese Beetles and aphids do sometimes attack this plant.

* photos taken on July 13 2010 in Columbia, MD



* photo taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA



* photos of unknown internet source




Admiral Dewey
The double flowers are white.

* photo taken on August 5 2010 in Clinton, Ontario

* photo taken on Aug 1 2013 in Stratford, Ontario


Aprodite
Compact in habit, reaching about 12 x 10 feet with leathery, deep green foliage and ruffled, clear pink flowers. This cultivar produced little seed and flowers produsely from mid summer to mid autumn.


* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Blue Bird
Vigorous, with large, single flowers, up to 5 inches across, that are gentian blue with a purplish center.

* photos taken on July 1 2011 in Columbia, MD






Blue Chifton

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Brabant
Also called Duc de Brabant. Double deep purplish-pink flowers

* photos taken on August 5 2010 in Clinton, Ontario





* photos taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Coelestis
Reaches up to 12 feet in height with red centered, lilac blue flowers that are single.

* photos taken on August 2 2010 in Bayfield, Ontario




* photos of unknown internet source




Diane
Single, pure, white flowers to 6 inches across from July to November. Produces few seeds.
The foliage is deep green.

* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA








* photo taken on August 4 2010 @ Stratford, Ontario



* photo taken on August 5 2010 in Clinton, Ontario

* photos taken on July 7 2012 in Columbia, MD

Hamabo
The large, single flowers are bluish-white with a crimson center.

* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA




Helene
Compact in habit, reaching about 8 x 7 feet in 10 years with leathery, deep green foliage and ruffled, white ( with red eye spot ) flowers. This cultivar produced little seed and flowers produsely from mid summer to mid autumn.

* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Hino Maru
Reaches only up to 6 feet with single, pure white flowers to 6 inches across.

Lady Stanley
Flowers are white shaded pink, center is crimson.

* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Lavender Chifton
Bears large, lavender-pink flowers, up to 3.5 inches across, from mid-summer to mid-autumn. The deeply-lobed foliage is deep green.
* photos taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario


* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Minerva
Compact in habit, reaching about 12 x 10 feet with leathery, deep green foliage and lavender ( with dark red eyespot ) flowers. Some records include; 2nd year - 3.3 feet. This cultivar produced little seed and flowers profusely from mid summer to mid autumn.
Cuttings root very easily, sometimes after being just stuck in the ground.
Hardy zones 5 to 8

* photo taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario


Purpureus Variegatus
Stunning! It reaches a maximum size of 12 x 8 feet with mid-green foliage that is boldly splashed and margined creamy-white and very double purple flowers.
It does not produce seed.

Red Heart
The profuse single flowers are white with a red center.

* photos taken on July 1 2011 in Columbia, MD



* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Rosalinda
The semi-double flowers are deep purple and centered red.

White Chifton

* photo taken on Sep 29 2013 in Ellicott City, MD


Woodbridge
The single flowers are red-pink with a red center.

* photos of unknown internet source

* photos taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario


Violet Claire
Flowers are blue-purple and double.

TROPICAL HIBISCUS

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ( Chinese Hibiscus )
An evergreen, fast growing, shrub to small tree, reaching up to 10 feet or more ( much less in planters and containers ) that is grown in subtropical to tropical regions around the world. The Chinese Hibiscus is assumed to be native to tropical southern China.
Some records include: largest on record - 40 x 20 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot; fastest recorded growth rate - 4 feet.
The toothed, oval leaves, up to 6 x 3.5 inches, are luxuriant glossy deep green.
The single or double flowers, ranging from 4 to 12 inches across, are borne all year in mild climates.
Hardy zones 9 - 12, it may sustain freeze damage above ground in zone 9, it may also be attempted as a perennial on sheltered sites in zone 8. This Hibiscus prefers full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, well drained soil with a PH below 6. It is moderately salt tolerant but not drought tolerant. Tolerant of temporary flooding.
Prune in very early spring before new growth begins.
Propagation of cultivars is from softwood cuttings taken during late spring.

* photos of unknown internet source








* photos taken on June 10 2013 in Columbia, MD


The President
Large, bright-pink ( with deep red-pink center ) flowers.

RELATED COLD HARDY PLANTS

Kitabela vitifolia ( Yugoslav Hibiscus )
A huge, fast growing perennial from the Malva family that is native to Yugoslavia and forms a great clump up to 15 feet across of tall stems up to 10 feet in height originating from a huge rootstock.
The large, deep green, Maple-shaped leaves are 7 lobed and up to 7 inches across.
The pink-white flowers are up to 1.5 inches wide.
Hardy north to zone 3 in sun or partial shade on just about any soil.

* photos taken on Aug 25 2011 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, PA



Kosteletzkya virginica ( Seashore Mallow )
A large perennial, reaching up to 8 x 6 ( rarely over 6 x 4 ) feet, that is native to rich moist soil or shallow water in the southeastern U.S. ( from eastern Texas to Long Island, NY; south to southern Florida ).
The palmately-veined, coarsely-toothed, triangular leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are deep green.
The large, single, 5-petalled flowers, up to 3 inches across, are borne over a period lasting up to 6 weeks during late summer to mid autumn ( sometimes blooming as early as June in milder parts of its range ). They are pink to reddish-pink in color.

* Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora

* USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database


Immaculate
White flowers, otherwise same as the species.