Product Description
Hibiscus 'Cherry Choco Latte' PP30738 CPBRAF (25) Bare Root Plants
SUMMERIFIC® Collection
Common Name: Rose Mallow
'Cherry Choco Latte' is a brand new, long blooming Hibiscus with a smaller size that is more suitable for tighter spaces. Very large, 8-9" three-dimensional flowers are white with intense deep pink veining and a notably large red eye. Attractive dark olive green foliage has bronze highlights and forms a compact clump, with flowers covering the entire habit later in the season.
'Cherry Choco Latte' replaces 'Cherry Cheesecake' in the Proven Winners® lineup with larger flowers and improved flower form, more pronounced veining on the petals, darker foliage, and an improved, compact habit.
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.
Colorado State University "Top Performer" Perennial -- 2019
University of Georgia Plants of Distinction -- 2017
Farwest Best in Show -- 2018
Height: 4.0 Feet
Spread: 4.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Near-black shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer - Late Summer
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Rapid
Bog Plant, Border Plant
The Hibiscus 'Cherry Choco Latte' is a stunning variety of rose mallow that boasts exceptionally large, eye-catching flowers. This hardy perennial, hardy in USDA zones 4-9 , is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of garden settings, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. With its vibrant colors and lush foliage, the 'Cherry Choco Latte' hibiscus is sure to become a favorite in your garden.
This captivating hibiscus is known botanically as Hibiscus x hybrida 'Cherry Choco Latte'. It belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae) and is a cultivar of the Hibiscus moscheutos species, which is native to North America. It is commonly referred to as rose mallow. Some sources also refer to it as hardy hibiscus. The 'Cherry Choco Latte' is part of the Summerific® series, known for its exceptional hibiscus varieties. This particular variety replaces the much-loved 'Cherry Cheesecake' with larger flowers and improved performance.
Characteristics The 'Cherry Choco Latte' hibiscus is an upright, bushy herbaceous perennial with a well-rounded shape. It typically grows to a height and width of 4 feet. This compact size makes it suitable for smaller gardens or even large containers. The plant is known for its vigorous growth, quickly filling out during the growing season, sometimes adding an inch of new growth per day. It blooms from midsummer to early fall. Gardeners should be aware that hibiscuses are often among the last perennials to emerge in the spring.
Numerous images of the 'Cherry Choco Latte' hibiscus and its flowers are available online, showcasing its beauty and unique features. A quick search will reveal the visual appeal of this plant.
- Flowers The most striking feature of this hibiscus is its exceptionally large flowers, which can reach up to 9 inches in diameter. The soft pink flowers, accented by vibrant rose highlights, surround a deep wine-red center. The slightly ruffled petals create a three-dimensional effect, adding to their visual appeal. Each flower lasts for about a day, but the plant continuously produces new blooms from mid to late summer, ensuring a long-lasting display of color.
- Foliage The 'Cherry Choco Latte' hibiscus has dark olive-green, maple-like leaves with burgundy highlights that provide an attractive contrast to the vibrant flowers. The foliage adds to the plant's overall lushness and creates a beautiful backdrop for the blooms.
Care and Cultivation The 'Cherry Choco Latte' hibiscus is relatively easy to care for, making it a suitable choice for gardeners of all skill levels. Here are some key aspects of its cultivation:
- Light This hibiscus thrives in full sun, meaning it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced.
- Soil The 'Cherry Choco Latte' hibiscus prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH ranging from acidic to neutral. Before planting, it is beneficial to enrich the soil with compost. While it prefers well-drained soil, it can tolerate heavier soils as well.
- Watering Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizing To promote vigorous growth, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer. A fertilizer with 150-200 ppm N is recommended.
- Pruning Deadheading spent flowers can improve the plant's appearance. In late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, prune the plant to remove any dead stems and encourage bushier growth.
- Pinching Pinching the shoots when they are 6-8 inches long, leaving 4-6 leaves on each branch, can encourage branching and help control the plant's shape.
- Mulching Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the roots during winter.
Pests and Diseases While generally low-maintenance, it is important to be aware of potential pests and diseases that can affect the 'Cherry Choco Latte' hibiscus. These include:
- Pests: Aphids, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies.
- Diseases: Leaf spot, rust, and other fungal diseases.
To minimize the risk of pests and diseases, ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
Uses The 'Cherry Choco Latte' hibiscus is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways in the garden. It is well-suited for:
- Beds and borders: Its vibrant flowers and attractive foliage make it a standout addition to any garden bed or border.
- Butterfly gardens: The large, colorful flowers attract butterflies, adding life and movement to your garden.
- Containers: Its compact size makes it ideal for growing in large containers, allowing you to enjoy its beauty on patios or balconies.
- Hedges: When planted in a row, it can create an attractive and informal hedge.
- Mass plantings: Planting several 'Cherry Choco Latte' hibiscuses together creates a dramatic display of color and texture.
- Rain gardens: This hibiscus tolerates wet soil, making it a suitable choice for rain gardens.
- Specimen plant: Its unique beauty and form make it an excellent specimen plant, drawing attention as a focal point in the garden.
Wildlife The 'Cherry Choco Latte' hibiscus is not only a feast for the eyes but also a valuable addition to a wildlife-friendly garden. Its large, colorful flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Botanical Name: Hibiscus x hybrida 'Cherry Choco Latte'
- Common Names: Rose mallow, hardy hibiscus
- Hardiness Zones: 4-9
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall
- Flower Color: Soft pink with rose highlights and a deep wine-red center
- Flower Size: Up to 9 inches in diameter
- Foliage Color: Dark olive-green with burgundy highlights
- Height/Spread: 4 feet tall and wide
- Growth Rate: Fast, can add an inch of new growth per day
- Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
- Soil Requirements: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0)
- Watering Needs: Regular watering, keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Fertilizing: Balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer (150-200 ppm N)
- Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers; prune in late winter or early spring
- Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Deer Resistance: Yes
The Hibiscus 'Cherry Choco Latte' is a truly remarkable plant that offers a unique combination of beauty and hardiness. Its smaller size, longer bloom time, and suitability for tighter spaces make it a standout choice among hibiscus varieties. This North American native brings a touch of the tropics to gardens even in cooler zones, with its large, vibrantly colored flowers that bloom profusely from midsummer to early fall. It is a valuable asset for gardeners seeking late-season color and a way to attract pollinators. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this hibiscus is sure to bring joy and visual interest to your outdoor space. It is readily available from various online retailers and local nurseries, making it easy to add this delightful plant to your garden.
(25) Bare Root Plants Mature field grown plant shipped bare root.
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!
