Hibiscus moscheutos 'Midnight Marvel' PP24079

– Attracts:

– Bees and native pollinators

– Butterflies

– Hummingbirds

– Deer Resistant: Moderately resistant but may be browsed occasionally

– Spring: Emerges late—often not until May

– Summer: Peak flowering from July through September

– Fall: Foliage may turn shades of orange-red before dormancy

– Winter: Dormant—top growth dies back; root system overwinters

– Late-season drama
– Pollinator-friendly gardens
– Accent in borders
– Rain gardens

– Color: Deep wine-purple to nearly black

– Shape: Maple-like, deeply lobed leaves

– Texture: Smooth, thick, and leathery

– Seasonal Color: Retains deep purple through summer, turning red-orange in fall

– Color: Deep scarlet red with darker eye

– Size: 8–9 inches across

– Shape: Broadly rounded petals, slightly overlapping, with prominent central stamens

– Bloom Period: Mid-summer to early fall

– Duration: Each bloom lasts one day, but plant blooms in succession for several weeks

– Best Time to Plant: Spring or early fall

– Soil Preparation: Enrich with compost or organic matter; ensure good drainage but consistent moisture retention

– Planting Depth: Same depth as in the nursery container; firm soil gently around roots

– Spacing: Space 36–48 inches apart to allow for mature width and airflow

– Mulch: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture and insulate roots

– Deadheading: Optional—each bloom lasts 1 day, but blooms continuously without deadheading

– Fall/Winter Pruning: Cut back to 4–6 inches above ground after first frost or in early spring before new shoots emerge

– Stem Removal: Remove weak or crossing stems to encourage airflow and structure

– Moisture Needs: Consistently moist soil preferred; avoid drought

– Establishment: Water 2–3 times per week during first growing season

– Mature Plants: Water weekly, more in heat or dry spells

– Soil Preference: Tolerates average to clay soils as long as moisture is retained

– Ideal Exposure: Full sun (minimum 6 hours of direct sun daily)

– Effect of Light: Full sun enhances flower production and deepens leaf coloration

– Tolerates: Light shade, but may reduce blooming and lead to leggier growth

– Cut Flowers: Flowers are large and beautiful, but short-lived in arrangements (1 day)

– Best Use: Use cut stems for dramatic but brief displays

– Seed Harvest: Possible if not deadheaded; collect after capsules dry on plant

– Timing: Apply in early spring as new growth emerges and again in midsummer

– Type: Balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10)

– Frequency: Twice per season; over-fertilizing can lead to foliage overgrowth at the expense of blooms

– Pollinated by: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

– Pollination Type: Self-fertile but enhanced by cross-pollination from insects

– Seed Set: Possible but not typically used for propagation due to hybrid origin

– Ornamental Value: Primarily grown for flowers and foliage, not seed production

– Salvia nemorosa – offers vertical blue spikes to contrast the red blooms

– Pennisetum (Ornamental Grasses) – adds texture and movement

– Echinacea (Coneflowers) – long-blooming, attracts pollinators alongside hibiscus

– Rudbeckia – sunny yellow blooms pair beautifully with red flowers

– Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – late-season color match

– Coreopsis – for low-maintenance, sunny companions

– Russian Sage (Perovskia) – adds airy texture around the bold hibiscus form