If you're looking to add a tropical flare to your landscape with a very cold hardy and colorful beauty that can handle temperatures down to -40F, the 'Dark Mystery' Hardy Hibiscus is a North American native perennial flowering shrub that wows with both foliage and enormous flowers that will do just that, even more so than a tropical hibiscus would! A little later to bloom than other cultivars, the huge, dinner plate size white to very soft-pink flowers of Dark Mystery begin appearing mid summer and continue nonstop through early fall. Each flower has a dark cherry red eye from which dark pink veining extends through the petals. But where this variety gets its name is from its handsome deep wine-purple foliage, which serves as the perfect backdrop to showcase the flowers. Although the foliage is a little later to emerge in spring than some other types of plants, once it starts emerging the growth is rapid. The large, maple-like leaves are broadly smooth and form a full, billowy look on mounding plants that might reach 5.5 feet tall and equally as wide. A captivating specimen, grouping or hedge in the landscape. Especially nice around patios, pools and around other outdoor sitting and living spaces.

Growing 5 to 5.5 feet tall and equally as wide, the Dark Mystery Hardy Hibiscus makes a bold and beautiful specimen in the landscape or in large containers. Especially impressive in groupings of three or as a colorful hedge. Because it has such colorful and bold foliage and flowers it makes a nice backdrop or centerpiece in flower gardens. A fine addition to butterfly and hummingbird gardens and for adding a tropical flare to your outdoor living spaces.

Suggested Spacing:  4 to 4.5 feet apart for hedge; 7 feet or more apart for space between plants

Hardy Hibiscus are very easy to grow. They prefer a moist but well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine, though some shade is tolerated. During prolonged periods of summer drought plants will appreciate supplemental water to bloom their best. Maintenance is minimal. Simply back to near the ground when new growth begins to emerge in spring.

Click on the link below to find helpful advice from our experts on how to plant, prune, feed and water Hardy Hibiscus plants.