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Hibiscus (Rose Mallow)

Summerific® 'Ballet Slippers'

Huge 7” wide, ruffled flowers are white with a deep red eye. The edges of the petals are edged with blush pink. Combined with the heavily overlapping petals, this creates a pinwheel effect on the flowers. Attractive, healthy leaves are bright green with slightly serrated edges. A polished, upright habit and extremely high bud count with good axillary branching ensures that this Hibiscus will have a longer season of color, from late summer through early fall. Flowers are produced from the top to the bottom of the plant, rather than just at the top like some other cultivars. ‘Ballet Slippers’ is the perfect backdrop or centerpiece for sunny borders. These North American native plants bring massive, tropical-looking flowers all the way to zone 4. Although later to emerge than most perennials in spring, these are fast growing plants capable of adding an inch of new growth a day. Excellent at brightening up end of season gardens.

• »  Huge 7" ruffled, white flowers with red eye
• »  Densely compact, shrub-like habit
• »  Attractive bright green foliage

Hibiscus love the sun and need moist, well-drained soil. Keeping these plants watered will result in larger flowers and lush foliage. Deadheading will improve the appearance of the plant. It is best to plant Hibiscus in the garden before the heat of the summer arrives, and should be heavily mulched the first winter. In spring, cut back any remaining stems before new growth appears. A strong pair of loppers or a saw will be necessary to cut this plant back. Be advised that Hibiscus is always one of the last perennials to emerge in spring. Its vigorous growth rate more than makes up for this late start, however. Japanese beetles find these plants especially delicious.