Product Description
Hibiscus 'Ballet Slippers' PP29896 CPBR5820 (25) Bare Root Plants
SUMMERIFIC® Collection
Common Name: Rose Mallow
This hardy perennial fits the need of providing a Hibiscus lineup with near-white blooms. Huge 7” wide, ruffled flowers are white with a deep red eye. The edges of the petals are edged with blush pink. Combined with the heavily overlapping petals, this creates a pinwheel effect on the flowers. Attractive, healthy leaves are bright green with slightly serrated edges. A polished, upright habit and extremely high bud count with good axillary branching ensures that this Hibiscus will have a longer season of color, from late summer through early fall. Flowers are produced from the top to the bottom of the plant, rather than just at the top like some other cultivars. ‘Ballet Slippers’ is the perfect backdrop or centerpiece for sunny borders.
Hibiscus love the sun and need moist, well-drained soil. Keeping these plants watered will result in larger flowers and lush foliage. Deadheading will improve the appearance of the plant. It is best to plant Hibiscus in the garden before the heat of the summer arrives and should be heavily mulched the first winter. In spring, cut back any remaining stems before new growth appears. A strong pair of loppers or a saw will be necessary to cut this plant back. Be advised that Hibiscus is always one of the last perennials to emerge in spring. Its vigorous growth rate more than makes up for this late start, however. Japanese beetles find these plants especially delicious.
Height: 4 Feet; Spread: 4.5-5 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Flower Color: White to Pink shades
Full Sun - Part Shade
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Poor Soil to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer - Early Fall
Long Blooming
Attracts Hummingbirds
Deer Resistant
Hibiscus 'Ballet Slippers' is a stunning variety of rose mallow, boasting large, white flowers with a blush pink edge and a deep red eye. This hardy perennial thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. This article provides a comprehensive overview of its characteristics, care requirements, growing conditions, and other fascinating facts about this beautiful plant.
Imagine a profusion of large, 7-inch diameter flowers, each with ruffled, overlapping petals that create a mesmerizing pinwheel effect. This is the captivating sight that Hibiscus 'Ballet Slippers' offers. The petals are a pristine white, delicately edged with a blush pink, and a deep red eye at the center adds a dramatic contrast. These eye-catching blossoms emerge from abundant buds that cover the plant from top to bottom, ensuring a longer blooming season than most other Hibiscus varieties.
Adding to its allure, the bright green foliage with slightly serrated edges provides a vibrant backdrop for the delicate flowers. This Hibiscus also boasts a strong, erect habit that resists lodging, ensuring a graceful presence in the garden.
Hibiscus 'Ballet Slippers' typically grows up to 4 feet tall with a spread of 4-5 feet. However, it can reach a mature size of 4.5-5.0 feet. This North American native plant is a late emerger in spring, but its vigorous growth rate, capable of adding an inch of new growth a day, quickly makes up for it.
It is worth noting that while generally not a preferred food source, deer may nibble on the plant if other food sources are scarce. As with many plants, it is best to avoid ingestion of Hibiscus 'Ballet Slippers', particularly in large quantities.
Care Requirements Hibiscus 'Ballet Slippers' is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and will tolerate heavier soils. While it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0), it can adapt to almost any growing condition. Enrich the soil with compost before planting.
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer.
Deadheading spent blooms will improve the plant's appearance. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears to remove dead stems and encourage bushier growth. You will need a strong pair of loppers or a saw to cut back the plant during pruning.
For winter care, mulch with +/- 2 inches of mulch to protect the roots and retain moisture.
Pests and Diseases Japanese beetles are attracted to Hibiscus 'Ballet Slippers'. Monitor the plant for these pests and take appropriate measures to control them if necessary.
Ideal Growing Conditions Hibiscus 'Ballet Slippers' can be grown in a variety of settings, including garden beds, borders, and large containers. It is best to plant hibiscus in the garden before the heat of summer arrives. It should be heavily mulched the first winter. When planting, ensure the root ball is level with the soil surface. Site in locations protected from wind to minimize the risk of wind burn.
This variety is well-suited for use as a specimen or focal point in the landscape, thanks to its large, showy flowers and attractive foliage.
Companion Planting Consider pairing Hibiscus 'Ballet Slippers' with companion plants that complement its vibrant blooms and thrive in similar growing conditions. Some excellent choices include:
- Echinacea: With their bright, daisy-like blooms, Echinacea adds a cheerful touch alongside Hibiscus.
- Achillea: The contrasting textures and colors of Achillea create a visually striking combination.
- Rudbeckia: The bright yellow blooms of Rudbeckia enhance the bold colors of Hibiscus.
- Lavender: This fragrant, low-growing companion complements Hibiscus blooms and attracts pollinators.
- Coreopsis: The continuous display of yellow flowers from Coreopsis pairs well with Hibiscus.
Other Varieties of Hibiscus Hibiscus offers a diverse range of varieties, each with its unique charm. Here is a closer look at some popular options:
| Variety | Common Name | Flower Color | Features |
| Hibiscus moscheutos | Hardy Hibiscus or Rose Mallow | White, pink, red | Huge flowers, up to 8 inches across |
| Hibiscus coccineus | Scarlet Rose Mallow or Texas Star Hibiscus | Red | Star-shaped flowers, wetland-tolerant |
| Hibiscus syriacus | Rose of Sharon | Various colors | Cold-tolerant, shrubby habit |
| Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | Chinese Hibiscus or Tropical Hibiscus | Various colors | Showy flowers, tropical climate |
| Hibiscus schizopetalus | Fringed Hibiscus or Coral Hibiscus | Red, pink | Pendulous, fringed flowers |
Hibiscus 'Ballet Slippers' is a truly captivating addition to any garden. Its large, elegant flowers with their unique pinwheel effect, combined with the lush green foliage, create a stunning display. This North American native plant is a low-maintenance beauty that thrives in sunny locations with moist, well-drained soil. Whether planted in a border, as a focal point, or in a container, Hibiscus 'Ballet Slippers' is sure to attract attention and admiration. Consider adding this charming and easy-to-grow perennial to your garden and enjoy its vibrant blooms from mid-summer to early fall.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
