Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Blue River II’ (Hardy Hibiscus)

Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Blue River II’ (Hardy Hibiscus) is a vigorous, sturdy, shrub-like perennial noted for its huge, snow-white flowers, 10 in. across (25 cm), with no contrasting eye. Blooming continuously from mid to late summer, the dinner-plate flowers display conspicuous, protruding, creamy-white to pale yellow tubes of stamens. Each flower lasts 1 day, but new flowers open each day in rapid succession until late in the season. They contrast nicely against the foliage of large, deep green leaves which bear a hint of blue.

• Typically grows with an upright habit, up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 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. Tolerant of heat and humidity.
• 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.
• Hibiscus moscheutos is native to marshes, swamps, moist meadows and woods from Ontario and Massachusetts south to Ohio, Indiana, Alabama and Florida.