Hibiscus moscheutos 'LUNA WHITE®' swamp mallow

LUNA WHITE® is the white version of swamp mallow from the Luna® series bred in 2000. The flowers are white with a small red eye in the centre and a short pistil with numerous light beige anthers. It is a compact, dense growing perennial with sturdy stems and bushy growth. Deadheading of spent flowers and regular fertilizing from early August will encourage formation of new flower buds. Deciduous leaves are heart-shaped, medium green, and turn yellow in autumn. They do not have lobes like other hibiscus species.

Swamp mallow and its hybrids are commonly suited for regular garden soil of any pH, just make sure it does not dry out. In hot and dry summers it is dependent on regular watering and feed supply. Use fertilizers with enough phosphorus for abundant flowering, or any other quick-release fertilizers where nitrogen is not predominant. Any fertilizing has to stop by end September. Still, nitrogen-based fertilizer is useful when the plant wakes up from dormancy in mid spring, but should not be used longer than 8 weeks. Hardy hibiscus emerges very late, sometimes as late as in late May.

For healthy growth and profuse flowering it needs a sunny location with a lot of moisture which can be achieved by good mulching. The soil has to be fertile and can be clay and boggy, never let it dry out either in summer or during dry winters - its fleshy roots need some moisture also in winter. Hardy to about -23°C (USDA zone 6). Protect the bottom of the stems from direct sunlight with plenty of mulch or fir branches during winter. Cut back the plant some 7 cm above ground level in spring after all frosts.

Last update 13-08-2008; 26-09-2019