Midnight Marvel Hibiscus

There may be other possible marvels around midnight, but for one in your garden, plant the Midnight Marvel Hibiscus. One of a new generation of hardy hibiscus that are taking gardens by storm, this hybrid variety is derived from our native mallow, widespread throughout the east. With enormous scarlet flowers up to 9 inches across, in profusion from mid-summer to the first frost, you will love the deep purple foliage they are set against, creating a bright but deep accent in your shrub beds, or in a tub. Slow to appear in summer, but growing very rapidly once it does, it grows into a rounded shrub 4 feet tall and wide, even in cold areas, where it can be cut back by winter, and resprouts from the roots. Plant it surrounded by bulbs in spring, which will fill the space while it gets going. Makes a lovely lawn feature, bringing a tropical summer look to even the simplest garden. It’s super-easy to grow, and just keeps on giving.

• Huge, bright scarlet blooms will delight you
• Dark purple foliage makes the perfect background for the flowers
• Flowers produced continuously from midsummer to the first frost
• Grow in full sun for the best foliage coloring
• Cold hardy, and loves hot Southern summers too

Even though it will usually be killed back to the ground, the Midnight Marvel Hibiscus is even hardy in zone 4, and comes back vigorously to bloom in abundance. There will be some winter kill in zone 5 and 6 too, but again it comes back strongly. Grow it in full sun, for abundant blooms and dark foliage coloring. Grows well in any soil that is reasonably damp, and also grows in wet ground. Plants in pots can be left outdoors through winter from zone 6, otherwise bury them in the garden for the cold months. It isn’t eaten by deer, or bothered by significant pests. Prune in spring once you see new buds, cutting back to healthy ones and, in warmer zones, leaving a framework of strong branches.