A member of the Summerific® Collection from Proven Winners®, Hibiscus 'Valentine's Crush' replaces 'Cranberry Crush' in the collection. This rose mallow is a showy herbaceous perennial that flowers from midsummer to late summer. Blooming abundantly and continuously, this lovely plant sets masses of 7- to 8-inch fully flat tropical-looking flowers against large ovate leaves that have a dark bronze cast in full sun and give the plant a full appearance. The ruffled blooms have thick overlapping petals, bright red color, and a slightly shiny dark red eye. Borne on slender branches, the nectar- and pollen-rich flowers sustain bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
A Hibiscus hybrid, commonly called rose mallow, 'Valentine's Crush' has a vigorous growth rate and an upright, columnar habit that is very sturdy and resists lodging. Hibiscus is slow to emerge in spring but can put on an inch of new growth a day. It is excellent as a specimen in the garden or a thriller in a container, but it is very effective massed or grouped in borders and landscapes or around ponds and streams. It's a great choice for bog gardens and rain gardens.
A cold hardy plant, rose mallow grows best in sunny to partly shady locations with fertile, organically rich, moderately moist, well-drained soil but tolerates poor and acidic soils. Keep the plant well-watered to look its best. In spring, cut back any remaining stems before new growth appears. Do not trim back in fall. Add heavy mulch in winter. Deer resistant.
A native plant, rose mallow is indigenous to North America. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.
