Product Description
Hibiscus 'Lilac Crush' PP35181 CPBRAF (25) Bare Root Plants
SUMMERIFIC® Collection
Common Name: Rose Mallow
'Lilac Crush' adds a new color to the SUMMERIFIC® Series and a rare color among Hardy Hibiscus! Lilac flowers open 7-8" wide with overlapping petals of a thick substance. The flowers will have cool tones under low temperature conditions. Similar to 'Candy Crush' and fellow newcomer 'Valentine's Crush', 'Lilac Crush' has an upright, columnar habit that is very sturdy and resists lodging. Maple-like leaves are a rich green.
These North American native plants bring massive, tropical-looking flowers all the way to zone 4. Although later to emerge than most perennials in spring, these are fast growing plants capable of adding an inch of new growth a day. Excellent at brightening up end of season gardens.
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: 4.0-4.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple-blue shades, Purple shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun to Part Shade
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, Specimen, Focal Point
Hibiscus 'Lilac Crush' is a beautiful and unique variety of hardy hibiscus, known for its stunning lavender-blue flowers and vigorous growth. Here is a breakdown of its key features and growing requirements:
Appearance:
- Flowers: The most striking feature of 'Lilac Crush' is its large, 7-8 inch wide flowers. These blooms are a lovely lavender-blue color, a rare shade among hardy hibiscus, with overlapping petals and a deep red or burgundy eye in the center. The flowers have a slightly ruffled texture, adding to their charm.
- Foliage: The plant has attractive maple-shaped, rich green leaves that provide a lush backdrop to the vibrant flowers.
- Habit: 'Lilac Crush' has an upright, columnar growth habit, making it a sturdy and well-branched plant. It typically grows to 5-6 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide.
Growing Conditions:
- Hardiness Zones: 4-9 (This means it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures)
- Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. For optimal blooming, it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). Enriching the soil with compost before planting is beneficial.
Care:
- Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer for vigorous growth.
- Pruning: Deadheading spent flowers can improve the plant's appearance. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears to remove dead stems and encourage bushier growth.
- Mulching: Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture, control weeds, and protect roots in winter.
Uses:
- Specimen plant: Its striking flowers and upright habit make it a beautiful focal point in gardens.
- Borders: Ideal for adding a splash of color to garden beds and borders.
- Containers: Can be grown in large containers, adding a tropical touch to patios and decks.
- Hedges: When planted in a row, it can create a colorful and eye-catching hedge.
Benefits:
- Unique color: The lavender-blue flowers are a rare and sought-after color in hardy hibiscus.
- Long blooming period: Blooms continuously from mid to late summer, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Attracts pollinators: The large, colorful flowers attract bees and butterflies.
- Easy to grow: Hardy hibiscus are generally easy to care for, making them a good choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Overall, Hibiscus 'Lilac Crush' is a fantastic addition to any garden, offering unique and beautiful flowers, a long blooming period, and relatively easy care. Its striking presence and pollinator-friendly nature make it a valuable and enjoyable plant to have.
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!
