Hibiscus Ballet Slippers (Rose Mallow)

Noted for its abundant flower buds and long blooming season, Hibiscus 'Ballet Slippers' (Rose Mallow) is an upright, well-branched, herbaceous perennial with large, white flowers, up to 7 in. across (17 cm), adorned with a brilliant red eye. The delicately ruffled, overlapping petals are edged with blush pink. The wonderful blossoms open from abundant flower buds which cover the plant all the way up the stems, making it bloom for much longer than most Hibiscus. Blooming continuously from midsummer to fall, each flower lasts about one day and stands out against the bright green leaves with slightly serrated edges. Perfect backdrop or centerpiece for a sunny border. Great for containers too.

• Typically grows up to 4 ft. tall (120 cm) with a spread of 4-5 ft. (120-150 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. Prefers consistently moist, organically rich soils. 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.