Hibiscus ‘Mars Madness’ (Rose Mallow)

Hibiscus ‘Mars Madness’ (Rose Mallow) is a well-branched, herbaceous perennial with large, magenta-red flowers, up to 8 in. across (20 cm), adorned with a small darker red lustrous halo. Their overlapping petals, with deeply impressed veins, unfurl as the countless buds open to become wide and flat. Blooming continuously from mid to late summer, each flower lasts about one day and stands out against the foliage of dark olive green leaves with copper highlights. The blossoms are produced from the top to the bottom of the plant, rather than only at the top like some older cultivars. Perfect backdrop or centerpiece for a sunny border. Great for containers too.

• Typically grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) with a spread of 6-7 ft. (180-210 cm).
• Thrives in full sun in average, medium to wet soils. Tolerates some light shade but best flower production and disease resistance occur in full sun.
• Prefers consistently moist, organically rich soils. Keeping this hibiscus watered will result in larger flowers and lush foliage. 
• Site in locations protected from wind to minimize the risk of wind burn.
• Plant in perennial borders for dramatic summer blooms. Great along streams or ponds, in bog gardens or in rain gardens.
• Keep an eye out for blight, canker, rust, leaf spots, aphids, scale, whiteflies and Japanese beetle. Deer resistant.
• Deadhead spent flowers to maintain a neat appearance.
• Cut down in spring before new growth appears.
• It is best to plant Hibiscus in the garden before the heat of the summer arrives, and should be heavily mulched the first winter.