Hibiscus da Seme Mosc. Luna Mix

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Malvaceae

Order

Malvales

Genus

Hibiscus

Species

moscheutos

Description

Semi-woody perennial deciduous plant with vigorous growth and an erect habit, with a height of up to 1.50 metres. It is characterised by large flowers grouped in inflorescences with a protruding staminal column, of considerable ornamental value and with a colour range of refined and luminous shades that show themselves from late spring until early autumn, giving a scenographic appearance to flowerbeds and large pots or tubs, also in composition with other ornamentals. Easy to grow, it prefers full sun exposure and soil kept moist but free of stagnation, and is also tolerant of hot summer climates.

Varietal description

Perennial plant that loses all its vegetation in winter, only to vegetate again in late spring. It has a very abundant flowering in summer with very showy large flowers. They can reach up to 30 centimetres in diameter, and the plant reaches a height of 150/180 centimetres.

curiosity and special features

The generic epithet, Hibiscus, is an ancient Greek name used to identifyAlthaea, a species also belonging to the Malvaceae family.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory medicinal properties have been documented from use of the plant.

Origin and Diffusion

Native to humid and temperate areas, such as riverbanks or floodplains, Asia and a large part of America, from Ontario and Massachusetts to Ohio, Indiana, Alabama and Florida; it was introduced to Italy in the 1500s and over the last few decades has been the subject of numerous interspecific crosses that have led to varieties with large flowers and bright, bright hues.

Flower size

Characteristically large flower with high ornamental value.

Leaf

The leaf has a heart-shaped lamina.

Flowering period

The spectacular flowering is shown from mid-spring to summer for a duration of 90 to 100 days, providing colour and elegance for a long time.

Inflorescence

Largeumbrella inflorescence with protruding stem column.

Leaf color

solid colour, in perfect chromatic contrast with the colour shades of the inflorescences.

Plant height

The plant's height varies from 0.8 to 1.8 m, giving it a focal and attractive role in flowerbeds or large pots, even in compositions with other ornamentals.

Lifespan

Perennial plant, during the winter period it sheds its aerial part.

Suggested planting locations

Its prolonged and showy flowering makes it ideal as an ornamental plant for flower beds, planters, large pots, outdoor tubs

Stem/stem

Herbaceous, semi-woody stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, large form with single-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized umbel inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 100 days. It is attractive to butterflies.

Growth

Growth is vigorous, resulting in compact and elegant overall results.

Plant habit

Upright habit that reinforces the aesthetic value of the flowers.

branching

It develops medium branching with a proportionate ratio of foliage to flowers.

pH

The optimal soil pH varies from slightly acidic to neutral, with values between 6.0 and 7.0.

soil preparation

For transplanting into the bed in late spring, carry out light digging, removing any weeds, bulky stones and residues of previous crops. Bury organic substance to improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil, continue by breaking up the most compact and coarse clods. Finally, level the surface by preparing the planting holes according to a suitable density.

sun exposure

An exposure in half shade, full sun will ensure excellent flowering.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature is between 16 and 35 °C. The ideal temperature is between 19 and 22 °C; it adapts well to hot summer climates, taking care to maintain constant soil moisture. For colder climatic areas, the use of a mulch layer on the soil is recommended to assist the plant during winter rest.

Use

A plant appreciated by technicians, landscape architects and gardeners at all levels of experience for its spectacular blooms that give it considerable value in
Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Highly hardy, with a few cultivation measures regarding exposure and irrigation it will guarantee excellent growth and flowering performance.

Soil/medium

It prefers medium-textured, peaty soil, kept constantly moist but without waterlogging and with an adequate organic matter content; for use in pots and planters, a substrate for spring plants based on peat and perlite is recommended.

Maintenance

Easy to cultivate and maintain, the level of management effort is low.

cultivation tips

For adequate growth vigour and perfect flowering, it is recommended:
With little light the plants do not flower Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Can also be planted in flowerbeds in full sun. Requires a lot of light to flower

Composition

To create perspective effects and landscape views in flowerbeds, it can be used in composition with other ornamentals such as Canna indica, Iris, Lythrum salicaria, Lobelia cardinalis.

planting

As with any ornamental bedding species, planting should be carried out at a suitable density in order to ensure the expression of the best vigour in growth, thus achieving proportionate and visually harmonious final effects, thus adopting an average planting pattern of 3 plants per square metre. Considering the final height reached by some varieties, the use of containment ties is recommended.

pruning

Remove all dry vegetation by cutting at the base in early winter.

Reproduction/Propagation

Multiplication can be by seed or by apical cuttings.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water with an optimal sub-alkaline pH, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. Immediately after transplanting, water repeatedly to keep the soil moist but free of waterlogging. Afterwards, maintain a constant humidity, preventing both dryness, which causes buds to fall off, and waterlogging, which results in root rot.

Fertilization

During the growing season, regularly add a specific liquid fertiliser for flowering plants to the soil or substrate, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to the appropriate doses and frequencies as stated on the relevant information label.

Pet friendly

Ingestion toxicity not known; consider the specific case and consult with your veterinarian in case of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

Toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

advise 1

If planted in a pot, this must be large otherwise the plant with its root vigour can break it, avoid earthenware or thermoformed pots. If well fertilised, it will flower until the end of summer.