Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Rose Mallow, Hardy Hibiscus

Description:

This bold garden perennial features very large and showy fuchsia-red flowers all along the branches, not just the ends; copper emerging foliage matures to coppery olive green with purple cast; do not allow to dry to wilting point

Ornamental Features

Mars Madness Hibiscus features bold fuchsia round flowers with red overtones, dark red eyes and creamy white anthers along the stems from mid summer to early fall. Its large serrated lobed leaves emerge coppery-bronze in spring, turning olive green in color with showy coppery-bronze variegation and tinges of purple throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Mars Madness Hibiscus is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other garden plants with finer foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects
• Self-Seeding

Mars Madness Hibiscus is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Mass Planting
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Mars Madness Hibiscus will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 5 feet apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.