Abelmoschus manihot (Sunset Muskmallow)
Sunset Muskmallow, Sunset Hibiscus, Sweet Hibiscus, Edible Hibiscus, Manihot-Mallow, Hibiscus manihot
Fast-growing, Abelmoschus manihot (Sunset Muskmallow) is a tropical perennial often grown as an annual in temperate climate areas. It forms a bushy clump of magnificent palmate, dissected leaves, 4 in. across (10 cm), each adorned with 5-7 deep lobes. Large pale yellow flowers, up to 6 in. across (15 cm), adorned with a contrasting dark purple eye bloom from mid-summer to fall. Attractive to butterflies and other pollinators, they are followed by green, hairy seed pods. But even without these gorgeous blooms, this plant is worth growing for its palmately divided, deep green leaves. The leaves and flower buds can be served raw or cooked.
- Typically grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
- Thrives in full sun in fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Needs regular fertilization and irrigation for best performance.
- Plant in beds and borders, containers, wall-side borders, and cottage gardens for dramatic summer blooms.
- Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, snails, white flies, and powdery mildew. Deer resistant.
- Cut back stems as they finish flowering.
- Propagate by seed, or by softwood cuttings in early summer.
- Native of southeastern Asia.
Buy Abelmoschus manihot (Sunset Muskmallow)
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |