Centre Commons Perennials - Hibiscus moscheutos 'Pink Elephant'

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Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Pink Elephant’ PPAF

This outstanding new cultivar has enormous flowers that open flat to a whopping 30 cm wide! A medium pink, the blossoms have beautifully ruffled, overlapping petals and a deep red eye. Individual flowers are short-lived, but one or more flowers open each day over a long period from late-summer to early fall. Large, green leaves are carried on erect, somewhat woody stems, creating an exotic presence even before blooms begin. The species is native to marshes of the southern U.S.
Uses
Use as a specimen in sunny perennial gardens, mixed borders or bogs, or as a temporary screen. This plant attracts hummingbirds.
Cultivation
Requires full sun to light shade and deep, well-drained soil. Although preferring moist soil to wet soil, if well watered for the first two years, can become somewhat drought tolerant. Deadhead for longest bloom. It should be heavily mulched the first winter and in spring. Cut back any remaining stems before new growth appears. Emerges as late as mid June, but will then grow rapidly. Not usually bothered by insect pests or diseases, nor favoured by deer.