The marvelous new ‘Midnight Marvel’ combines some of the best genetics of its very popular parents. From ‘Summer Storm’ it inherits very deep wine purple and dissected maple-like foliage that is thick and leathery. Like many perennials with purple foliage, this one needs to be grown in full sun to achieve the darkest foliage color. From ‘Cranberry Crush’ it inherits very similar glossy, black-red buds which open to large deep scarlet red flowers. The habit is relatively compact, measuring in at just over a meter high. Since this variety is an indeterminate bloomer it has buds at several nodes up the stem and blooms for an extended period from midsummer into early fall.
- Height: 122 - 132 cm (48 - 52 in)
- Spread: 122 - 132 cm (48 - 52 in)
- Cold Hardiness: Zone 4
- Sun or Shade: sun to partial sun
- Bloom Time: late summer
- Leaf Colour: deep purple
- Bloom Colour: red
- Critter Resistance: deer
- Nature Attraction: butterflies
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Hibiscus are sun lovers and like moist well drained soil. Keep them well watered in the summer. They are one of the last perennials to start to grow, but when they do, they grow very quickly and need lots of moisture to support that growth. Dead heading is necessary to keep the plant looking good. In the fall do not cut back until after hard frost and leave at least 30 cms of stem. Watch for Japanese Beetles because they like this plant. A winter mulch, especially in the first year is also advisable.
