Product Description
Hibiscus 'Sweet Caroline' (25) Bare Root Plantss
Common Names: Rose Mallow, Swamp Mallow, Hardy Hibiscus, Dinner-Plate Hibiscus, or Perennial Hibiscus.
Zones: 4 to 9.
Full Sun to part shade.
Mature height 4 to 6 feet, width 2 to 3 feet.
Valued for its late summer display, 'Sweet Caroline' produces large, 6-8 inch wide, bright pink flowers with darker pink veining and eye zone. The petals are ruffled and partly reflexed, giving them an attractive silhouette. This Dr. Harold F. Winters hybrid has unusually pretty flower buds which resemble expanding rose buds.
Strong, shrub-like foliage, which is more compact than standard Hibiscus, supports these beautiful blooms in mid to late summer. Makes an outstanding accent plant.
Plant the Hibiscus crown at or just below soil level in a moist, well-drained, sunny location. Keeping these plants watered will result in larger flowers and lush foliage. Do not over-water dormant plants, but after dormancy is broken, do not let plants wilt. Provided with organic soil (or a fertilizer application in the spring) and plenty of water, Hibiscus ''moscheutos'' will continue its vigorous growth rate through the summer. Fertilizer should not be used after June to ensure that the Hibiscus flower production is not impeded by excess nitrogen. To encourage branching, pinch plants back when new shoots are 2 inches long. Do not pinch all the way back to the hardwood portion of the stem.
Hardy Hibiscus begins blooming in mid-summer and will often continue producing flowers until frost. One Hibiscus plant can produce hundreds of flowers, especially with deadheading to prolong the bloom period. Attracts hummingbirds and deer resistant.
It is best to plant Hibiscus in the garden before the heat of the summer arrives. Hibiscus should be heavily mulched the first winter. In spring, cut back any remaining stems before new growth appears. Be advised: Hibiscus''moscheutos'' loves heat, Hibiscus can be used in the garden as focal point, as a border or arranged to provide an informal hedge. Some perennial Hibiscus plants are compact and some habits are taller.
Perennial Hibiscus plants have no severe pest or disease problems.
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!
