Rose Mallow, Perennial Of The Day

Hibiscus x 'Sweet Caroline'

Mallow, Giant Mallow, Rose Mallow

Type Perennial

Hardy range 4A to 9A

Height 4' to 6' / 1.20m to 1.80m

Spread 36" to 4' / 90cm to 1.20m

Growth rate Fast

Form Upright or erect

Exposure Full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Pink

Bloom Time Summer and Fall

The flowers are showy.

Environment This plant tolerates occasional wetness.
This plant will grow in moist to wet soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

Culture Notes The Hibiscus plant produces the largest flowers of any perennial. It not only grows perfectly in average garden soil, but also does well in moist, windy areas. Cut back stems in early spring. Propagate by soft-wood cuttings in the summer or hard-wood cuttings in the fall. Plants go well with: Helianthus, Rudbeckia, Echinacea, and Malva. Although the Hibiscus plant is tall, the need for staking is rare. Shrublike in appearance, these plants do die back to ground level during the winter months. With regular pruning, it can be used as a hedge or specimen plant.
The buds of 'Sweet Caroline' have an unusual rosebud shape. Its gorgeous pink flowers are 6-8" in diameter, irregularly ruffled and display deeper pink veins as well as a deeper pink eyezone. Asexual propagation of this plant is prohibited.

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Montbretia, Perennial Of The Day

Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Emily McKenzie'

Montbretia, Crocosmia

Type Perennial

Hardy range 5A to 9B

Height 24" to 30" / 60cm to 75cm

Spread 6" to 12" / 15cm to 30cm

Growth rate Fast

Form Upright or erect

Exposure Full sun

Persistence Deciduous

Bloom Color Orange

Bloom Time Summer

The flowers are showy and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment This plant tolerates occasional wetness.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes These colorful flowers have a slight nod to them and are funnel shaped. Lift the bulbs in fall, storing in a cool dry area in colder climates. Crocosmias are clump forming and will spread rapidly when established. They bloom best when crowded. 'Emily McKenzie' is an excellent choice due to its bright orange (with red throats) blossoms.

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Lipstick Plant, Perennial Of The Day

Aeschynanthus pulcher 'Black Pagoda'

Lipstick Plant

Type Perennial

Hardy range 10A to 10A

Height 3" to 12" / 8cm to 30cm

Spread 12" to 36" / 30cm to 90cm

Growth rate Average

Form Spreading or horizontal

Exposure Full shade

Bloom Color Red and yellow

Bloom Time Summer and Fall

The flowers are fragrant and showy.

Environment This plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is sandy.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

Leaf Color Green

This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes Aeschynanthus is typically grown as a houseplant in cooler temperate zones. Often grown in hanging baskets. Water often when actively growing but sparingly when plant is semi-dormant in winter months. Fertilize monthly with a water soluble fertilizer.

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