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Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Blue River II’ (Hardy Hibiscus)

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Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Blue River II’ – Hardy Hibiscus: An In-depth Look

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 beesbutterflies, 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.

Growing and Caring for Hardy Hibiscus

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.

Hardy Hibiscus: How to Plant, Grow and Care


Prized for their huge, flamboyant flowers, hardy hibiscus add an exotic, tropical punch to the garden. Though they conjure up images of the tropics, they can withstand cold winter temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C).

Requirements

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
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hibiscus hamabo (Yellow Hibiscus)
Hibiscus Paraplu Violet® (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus Paraplu Pink Ink® (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus syriacus White Pillar® (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus syriacus Red Pillar® (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus syriacus Purple Pillar® (Rose of Sharon)

Recommended Companion Plants

Iris sibirica (Siberian Iris)
Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)
Echinacea (Coneflower)

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Hardy Hibiscus: How to Plant, Grow and Care
Native Plant Alternatives to Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
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.
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Requirements

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 Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hibiscus
Guides with
Hibiscus
Not sure which Hibiscus to pick?
Compare Now

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