Hibiscus Cherry Cheesecake (Rose Mallow)

Noted for its abundant flower buds and long blooming season, Hibiscus 'Cherry Cheesecake' (Rose Mallow) is a compact, well-branched, herbaceous perennial with extra large, white flowers, up to 8 in. across (20 cm), with magenta tips and magenta veining radiating out from its cherry red eye. The petals are thick, ruffled and heavily overlapping, which helps them hold up better in the summer wind than other selections with thin petals. Equally attractive are the magenta kissed, creamy-pink 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 leathery, dark green foliage of maple-like leaves adorned with a faint blush of purple-gray overlay. Perfect backdrop or centerpiece for a sunny border. Great for containers too.

• Typically grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) with a spread of 5-6 ft. (150-180 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.