re you looking for Athat rock solid peren-nial to deliver color in the landscape year after year with little fuss? If so consider adding hardy hibiscus to the planting. This plant delivers on all points. Bold flowers, nice foliage and easy care makes it shine in a Nebraska summer.
Many newer varieties of hardy hibiscus are on the market today. Older varieties were larger plants, maybe reaching 6 feet or more. Taller varieties can be cut back in the spring after reaching about 2 feet in height.
This keeps plants more compact and bushy, creating a more pleasing look.Compact varieties, 2 to 3 feet, are now available. The plant has either a flat green/gray leaf or some have tinges of reddish tones.
The leaves have two patterns; one more heart shaped and the other appearing more like a maple leaf. The leaf color and shape vary with the variety as many of these plants have been crossbred creating the diversity. Hardy hibiscus is a durable perennial that is often confused with its tropical cousin.
Hibiscus are members of the mallow family which have large circular open face flowers. The main difference between the two are in their names, tropical and hardy. The tropical hibiscus is best known as a patio plant that will winterkill in our Nebraska winters, while the hardy plant returns each spring.
Do not get this plant confused with Rose of Sharon, which is also a hibiscus. Rose of Sharon is a woody shrub while this plant is a perennial which dies back each fall. The flowers of the hibiscus are the real showstopper.
Flowering begins in late June and can last into the fall depending on variety and care. Flowers can be large, measuring up to a foot across. They are simple dinner-plate shaped hibiscus with beautiful centers and different hues to create more interest and depth of color.
Flower color ranges from white, pink, reds and various shapes and bi-colors. There have been a number of newer releases of this plant making it more adaptable in various locations in the garden. Examples of popular varieties are "Fireball," "Plum Crazy," Midnight Marvel," "Berry Awesome," "Peppermint Schnapps" and "Cranberry Crush.
" For additional horticulture information, perennial flower gardening or questions about the Master Gardening Program, contact Nebraska Extension, West Central Research and Extension Center at 308-532-2683. Get local news delivered to your inbox!.
