Hibiscus moscheutos 'Summer in Paradise' – 'Summer in Paradise' Rose Mallow

'Summer in Paradise' Rose Mallow transforms any garden into a tropical paradise for the summer. This perennial's main benefit is the production of impressively large flowers in the most vibrant cerise-pink. Its dissected foliage, reminiscent of a maple leaf, adds to its exotic look. It is an easy plant that offers a bold and colourful late-season show.

Characteristics

• Foliage: It develops attractive deciduous foliage. The deeply lobed, maple-like leaves are an olive-green to bronze colour, creating a beautiful textured mass.
• Flowering: From mid-summer until fall, the plant covers itself in gigantic flowers, 18 to 20 cm (7-8 inches) in diameter. Each intense cerise-pink flower often has a darker red eye in the center, and lasts only a day, but they follow one another non-stop.
• Light: It demands full sun for abundant flowering and good foliage colour.
• Habit: It forms a large clump with a bushy, dense, and well-branched habit.
• Growth: Fast. It reaches a height and spread of about 90 to 120 cm (3-4 feet).
• Soil: It thrives in rich, fertile soil that remains consistently moist.
• Hardiness: Hardy to Zone 4. Like other perennial hibiscus, it emerges very late in the spring. Patience is key.
• Resistance: It demonstrates good resistance to deer.

Uses

• Types of Use: Its commanding presence makes it an excellent choice to create a focal point in a border. It is magnificent at the back of a landscape or in a mass planting for a guaranteed tropical effect.
• Ornamental Features: Its huge pink flowers are the undisputed stars of the late-summer garden. They attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding life and movement.

Care

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. It does not tolerate drought. A mulch is highly recommended.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost in the spring to support its vigorous growth.
• Pruning: No pruning is required during the season. Cut the dead stems back to the ground in late fall or very early spring.
• Planting: Plant it in the spring in a sunny location and in rich soil that does not dry out.
• Winter Protection: A good mulch of fallen leaves or straw applied after the ground freezes will help protect the crown for its first winter.