Summerific® Hibiscus are all Perennial Hibiscus, primarily tracing their parentage back to Hibiscus moscheutos. This species is native to North America, specifically the central and eastern regions of the U.S. Perennial Hibiscus are hardy from zones 4-9 and dieback to the ground each year. They produce exceptionally large flowers in an increasingly wide color range.

All varieties in the Summerific® Hibiscus collection have indeterminate blooming, meaning Summerific® varieties have top to bottom flower coverage, bloom time starts earlier with significantly more flowers over the season. Flowers are dinner plate size!

Full sun is a must. In too much shade the otherwise sturdy habits stretch and get floppy. Increased shade will also lead to a decrease in flower bud count and diminished bloom performance. Outdoor natural UV light (full sun) brings forth darker foliage colors compared to the same varieties produced in greenhouses. When properly located in full sun, Summerific® Hibiscus keep their tidy habits and bloom profusely.

Summer Care Tips

Summerific® Hibiscus perform best with weekly irrigation, delivering 1.5 – 2.0 inches starting 1-2 weeks prior to beginning of flowering in mid-July thru mid-September, unless Nature provides some. Also, water plants that have been recently transplanted or are aborting floral buds. Rose mallows are perfect additions to landscape areas that periodically flood and a rain garden.

Once rose mallows emerge in mid-spring, leave them adequate space to grow. Some varieties can grow 5-6 feet wide and grow quickly during the year. If you take a week’s vacation in June, you’re likely to come back to a plant twice the size you left it.

Hibiscus sawfly is the #1 foliar pest of perennial hibiscus, resulting in skeletonized leaves. These can be treated with a beneficial bacteria product like Dipel (BT bacillus). Rose mallows are not the preferred food of deer and rabbits.