Product Description
Hibiscus 'Summer Carnival' PP31587 (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Rose Mallow
We're always on the hunt for something cool and different in Hardy Hibiscus, especially with our extensive hybridizing program. Unlike other variegated varieties, 'Summer Carnival' displays excellent vigor, has great flower coverage, and forms a beautifully shaped habit. 7", dark magenta pink flowers cover the upright, rounded habit. Each leaf has a narrow cream margin and the edges have a hint of blush. The perfect collector's item!
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: 4-4.5 Feet
Spread: 5-5.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Red shades
Foliage Color: Green shades Variegated
Full Sun to Part Shade
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: MidSummer to Early Fall, Long Blooming
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Rapid
Bog Plant, Border Plant, Specimen, Focal Point
Hibiscus 'Summer Carnival' is a unique and eye-catching variety of hardy hibiscus that brings a festive touch to gardens with its variegated foliage and vibrant flowers. It is a standout selection for its colorful foliage, large blooms, and ability to attract pollinators. Here is a closer look at what makes it special:
Appearance:
- Flowers: 'Summer Carnival' produces large, 7-inch wide, dark magenta-pink flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers have a rich, saturated color that stands out beautifully against the variegated foliage.
- Foliage: The plant has striking variegated foliage with a cream margin and a hint of blush on the edges. The leaves are deep green with a narrow band of white and pink, creating a vibrant and festive display. Even the flower buds are striped with white and green, adding to the visual interest.
Growing Conditions:
- Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it prefers full sun for optimal flowering, it can tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
- Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of moist, well-drained soils. It can tolerate average garden soil but performs best in fertile, slightly acidic soil.
- Water: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Characteristics:
- Mature Size: Reaches a height of 4-5 feet with a spread of 5-6 feet, forming a vigorous, upright, and well-branched shrub.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-9, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of climates.
- Bloom Time: Blooms continuously from mid-summer to early fall, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Unique Feature: The variegated foliage and striped flower buds add an extra layer of visual interest to this already stunning hibiscus.
Why it is Popular:
- Colorful Foliage: The variegated foliage of 'Summer Carnival' creates a vibrant and festive display that stands out in the garden, even when the plant is not in bloom.
- Large Flowers: The large, dark magenta-pink flowers add a dramatic touch to the garden and attract pollinators.
- Vigorous Growth: 'Summer Carnival' is known for its vigorous growth and excellent flower coverage.
- Unique Appearance: The combination of variegated foliage, striped flower buds, and large, vibrant flowers makes this hibiscus truly unique and eye-catching.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to the garden.
Uses:
- Specimen Plant: Its large size, unique foliage, and showy flowers make it an excellent choice for a specimen planting.
- Borders: Adds height and vibrant color to garden borders.
- Cottage Gardens: Its informal and colorful appearance blends seamlessly into cottage garden settings.
- Containers: Suitable for container gardening, where its size can be controlled, and its beauty can be enjoyed on patios or balconies.
- Pollinator Gardens: Attracts a variety of pollinators, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens.
Additional Information:
- 'Summer Carnival' is a hardy hibiscus, meaning it can tolerate cold temperatures and will come back year after year.
- Deadheading spent flowers can help maintain a tidy appearance and may encourage additional blooms.
- Pruning in late winter or early spring can help maintain the desired shape and size and promote vigorous growth.
- If the plant arrives without variegation, it will develop as the plant matures. Cutting the plant back to the ground can speed up the process.
Overall, Hibiscus 'Summer Carnival' is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a unique and showy hibiscus with variegated foliage and vibrant flowers. Its adaptability, long bloom time, and pollinator-friendly nature make it a valuable addition to any garden, bringing joy and beauty throughout the summer and fall months.
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!
