Hibiscus moscheutos 'OAK RED' hardy hibiscus, swamp mallow

Swamp mallow and its hybrids have been sought after plants for the past few years now. They are perennials with sturdy stems that have large, tropically looking flowers. Oak Red is a new variety with deep red, extra large flower. They are up to 20 cm across and appear from midsummer until the last sunny and warm days of autumn. Another interesting feature that makes this variety stand apart from other red-flowering swamp mallows is the leaf shape. They are deciduous, deep green, divided into three wide lobes.

The plant is dependent on regular water 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.

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 permeable, never let it dry out in summer. Mulch it well before winter. Hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5b). Cut back the plant only a few centimetres above ground level in spring, it re-sprouts very late but reliably.

Last update 23-07-2010