Product Description
Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery' PP32036 (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Rose Mallow
There's no mystery here – this Hibiscus has proven season after season to be a superior performer. Incredibly dark, wine purple foliage contrasts beautiful with the large 8-9" white flowers. Each flower has a cherry red eye and dark pink veining. Heart-shaped leaves cover the round habit. Perfect for use in large gardens, landscapes, or any place where you want to make an impact statement.
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: 5.0-5.5 Feet Spread: 5.0-5.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: White 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 - Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Rapid
Bog Plant, Border Plant, Specimen, Focal Point
Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery' is a stunning variety of rose mallow that is sure to turn heads in any garden. This herbaceous perennial boasts large, ruffled white flowers with a cherry red eye and dark pink veining. The flowers can grow up to 8–9 inches across and bloom continuously from mid-summer to early fall. While each flower only lasts about a day, new blooms continuously replace them, ensuring a long-lasting display of color. The flowers stand out beautifully against the plant's dark wine-purple foliage.
Appearance Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery' has a well-rounded, bushy habit. It typically grows to be about 5–6 feet tall and wide. The large, ruffled white flowers have a cherry red eye and dark pink veining. The flowers are held on upright stems over a compact mound of heart-shaped, dark wine-purple leaves. The leaves emerge dark red in spring, turning burgundy with dark green variegation and tinges of black throughout the season. This striking contrast between the pale flowers and dark foliage creates a dramatic and captivating effect in the garden. It is a hybrid variety, not a native species. When mature, it can reach a height of 5 feet with a spread of 6 feet.
Care Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery' is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. It prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can tolerate partial shade. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0). This hibiscus also tolerates wet soil, making it a suitable choice for rain gardens or areas with poor drainage. 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 flowers will improve the plant's appearance.
Pruning and Maintenance To maintain the health and appearance of your Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery', prune it in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This helps to remove any dead stems and encourages bushier growth. Cut back the previous year's stems to about 4–6 inches high. It is important to use sharp bypass pruners for clean cuts that heal faster and reduce the chance of disease.
Pests and Diseases While generally pest-resistant, Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery' may be susceptible to aphids, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. Monitor the plant regularly and treat any infestations promptly. To prevent fungal diseases like leaf spot and rust, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Uses Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery' is primarily used for ornamental purposes. It is ideal for:
- Garden beds and borders
- Large containers
- Bog gardens
- Areas near ponds and streams
- Rain gardens
It can be used as a specimen plant, in groupings of three, or as a colorful hedge. Because it has such colorful and bold foliage and flowers, it makes a nice backdrop or centerpiece in flower gardens. The Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery' attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding to its ecological value in the garden. Its tolerance for wet soil makes it particularly well-suited for rain gardens, which are designed to absorb stormwater runoff.
Companion Plants Some companion plants for Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery' include:
- Echinacea
- Achillea
- Rudbeckia
- Lavender
- Coreopsis
- Eucomis 'Safari Adventure'
- Lagerstroemia 'Cherry Mocha'
- Monarda 'Electric Neon Pink'
- Pennisetum 'Desert Plains'
- Perovskia 'Blue Jean Baby'
These companion plants enhance the overall garden design and aesthetics. For example, crepe myrtle and hydrangeas provide structure and color, while canna lilies and elephant ears contribute to a tropical look.
Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery' is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that is sure to add a touch of drama to any garden. With its large, showy flowers and dark foliage, this plant is a real showstopper. It thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, and is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. This hibiscus is a versatile choice for various garden settings, including borders, containers, and rain gardens. Its striking appearance and low-maintenance nature make it a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.
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!
