Luna Red F1

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Malvaceae

Order

Malvales

Genus

Hibiscus

Species

moscheutos

Description

A deciduous semi-woody perennial 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.

Variety description

Very showy plant in the summer period for its very large and colourful flowers. The vegetation dies back completely in winter and then reappears in spring.

Curiosities 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 distribution

Native to humid, temperate areas, such as riverbanks or flood plains, 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 late spring to late summer for a duration of 60 to 90 days, giving colour and elegance for a long time.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence raceme or largecluster, with protruding stem column.

Leaf colour

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

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 1 to 1.5 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.

Where to plant

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

Stem

Semi-woody stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, large form with a rounded corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in large raceme or cluster inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 60 and 90 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

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 full sun will ensure excellent flowering.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature is between 10 and 35 °C. The ideal temperature is between 15 and 30 °C; it adapts well to hot summer climates by 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

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

Soil

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.

Difficulty

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

Growing tips

For adequate growth vigour and perfect flowering, it is recommended to
Expose the plant to maximum light At least 10 hours of daylight Always keep plenty of fertilisation to avoid yellowing of the vegetation.

Combinations with other plants

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 4 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.

Propagation

Multiplication can be by seed or by apical cuttings.

Watering

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

Fertilising

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 safety

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

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

Tip

The plant is at its best when planted in the ground, improving its vigour from year to year.