Blue River II Hibiscus, Hardy Hibiscus 'Blue River II', Swamp Rose Mallow 'Blue River II', Hibiscus 'Blue River II', Perennial Hibiscus 'Blue River II', Rose Mallow 'Blue River II'
Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Blue River II’ is a striking, herbaceous perennial known for its large, pristine white flowers. This hardy hibiscus is a showstopper in the garden, producing blooms up to 10 inches across that create a stunning contrast against its lush green foliage. The dinner-plate flowers display conspicuous, protruding, creamy-white to pale yellow tubes of stamens. They contrast nicely against the foliage of large, deep green leaves which bear a hint of blue. Blooming continuously from mid to late summer, it adds a touch of elegance and drama to any landscape.
Native: This hibiscus plant is not a native species but a cultivated hybrid. Its parent, Hibiscus moscheutos, commonly known as hardy hibiscus or rose mallow, is native to marshes, swamps, moist meadows, and woods from Ontario and Massachusetts south to Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, and Florida. Hibiscus belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae, which includes popular flowering plants such as Alcea (hollyhock), Malva (mallow), Tilia (linden tree), and Abelmoschus esculentus (okra).
Plant Type and Habit: This hardy hibiscus is a herbaceous perennial, meaning it dies back to the ground in the winter and regrows each spring. The plant has a bushy, compact habit, typically forming a well-rounded mound. It is a fast-growing plant with sturdy, upright stems supporting the large, showy flowers.
Size: Typically grows with an upright habit, up to 4-5 feet tall (120-150 cm) and 3-4 feet wide (90-120 cm).
Flowers: This hibiscus plant features enormous, 10-inch pure white flowers that stand out for their satiny texture and elegance. The blooms are adorned with prominent, creamy-white to pale yellow stamens, adding subtle contrast.
Blooming Time: This hibiscus plant blooms from mid to late summer. The flowers typically last a day but are continuously replaced by new blooms, ensuring a prolonged period of vibrant color.
Foliage: The foliage consists of large, deep green leaves with a hint of blue, adding depth and richness to the plant’s appearance. The broadly ovate leaves are slightly coarse, forming a dense, lush canopy that provides a striking backdrop for the bright white flowers, enhancing the overall visual impact.
Hardiness: This Hibiscus is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9 and tolerant to heat and humidity.
Uses: This hardy hibiscus is primarily used for ornamental purposes. It is ideal for garden beds, borders, and large containers. In addition, it is well-suited for rain gardens, water features, and other moist areas of the garden where its love of water can be fully appreciated.
Wildlife: The large, colorful flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The plant’s abundant nectar and pollen make it a valuable food source for these beneficial insects.
Toxicity: Hibiscus is usually considered relatively not toxic. However, as with many plants, it is best to avoid ingestion, particularly in large quantities.
Deer and Rabbits: Hibiscus is generally not a preferred food source for deer or rabbits. However, if other food sources are scarce, they may nibble on the plant.
Invasiveness: This hybrid hibiscus is not invasive. It is suitable for gardens without the risk of becoming invasive.
Benefits: The main benefits include its stunning visual appeal, extended blooming period, and attraction to pollinators. Its large, colorful flowers enhance garden aesthetics and provide ecological value by supporting beneficial insects.
Planting: Plant in spring. Ensure the root ball is level with the soil surface. Site in locations protected from wind to minimize the risk of wind burn.
Light: It can be grown in full sun to partial shade. For optimal blooming, it prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil; enrich with compost before planting.
Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Keeping this hibiscus watered will result in larger flowers and lush foliage.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer for vigorous growth.
Pruning and Maintenance: Deadheading will improve the plant’s appearance. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears to remove dead stems and encourage bushier growth.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch (5-7 cm) layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, control weeds, and protect roots in winter.
Propagation: Propagate through stem cuttings or division; best done in spring or early summer.
Pests and Diseases: Watch for aphids, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. Monitor for fungal diseases like leaf spot and rust. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Malvaceae |
Genus | Hibiscus |
Common names | Hardy Hibiscus, Hibiscus, Rose Mallow |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid, Late), |
Height | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
Spread | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Spacing | 48" - 60" (120cm - 150cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Malvaceae |
Genus | Hibiscus |
Common names | Hardy Hibiscus, Hibiscus, Rose Mallow |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Mid, Late), |
Height | 4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm) |
Spread | 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm) |
Spacing | 48" - 60" (120cm - 150cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Bog Gardens, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
How many Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Blue River II’ (Hardy Hibiscus) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
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Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Blue River II’ (Hardy Hibiscus) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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