Hibiscus moscheutos Summerific® 'Spinderella' – Rose Mallow 'Spinderella'

The 'Spinderella' Hibiscus turns heads with its hypnotic flowers that liven up the garden from mid-summer to fall. Each huge flower displays satiny white petals, delicately edged in bright pink, that swirl towards a striking cherry-red eye. Set against a sturdy plant with dark green foliage, this perennial provides a spectacular tropical feel and an irresistible touch of whimsy, transforming any space into an exotic scene.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Dense, full foliage in a deep, dark green beautifully showcases the flowers. The foliage is deciduous.
• Flowering: Giant, swirling flowers measuring 20 cm (8 in) in diameter appear from mid-summer until fall. The overlapping white petals are marked with pink touches and a large, dark red eye.
• Light: Requires full sun for optimal performance and flowering.
• Habit: Adopts an upright, bushy habit, forming a dense and well-branched clump.
• Growth: Shows very rapid growth each season, returning from the ground to reach its full size. It reaches a height and spread of 135 to 150 cm (54-60 in).
• Soil: Prefers rich, consistently moist, but well-drained soil. This is a water-loving plant.
• Temperature: Hardy in zone 4, the top growth of this herbaceous perennial dies back completely with the frost, re-emerging vigorously from the crown in spring.
• Resistance: Shows good resistance to White-tailed deer.

Use

• Types of Use: Spectacular as a standalone specimen, at the back of a border to create a focal point, near a pond, or in a very large container on the patio.
• Decorative Advantages: Creates an unparalleled tropical visual impact late in the season. Its massive, colourful flowers draw every eye and become the garden's conversation piece.

Care

• Watering: Water thoroughly and regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially on hot summer days.
• Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, and again in mid-summer to support its impressive bloom.
• Pruning: Cut the stems back to about 10-15 cm from the ground in late fall after the frosts, or in early spring before new growth appears.
• Planting: Plant in the spring, once all risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up well.
• Winter Protection: Apply a thick layer of mulch (15 cm) over the crown after the first frosts to insulate it from the harsh winter cold.