Hibiscus (Rose Mallow)
Color Name: Summerific® Cookies & Cream
A night and day combination of matte black foliage and pure white flowers. 'Cookies and Cream' emerges in late spring already showing its dark foliage; the perfect backdrop to early season perennials. Like other dark-leaved Hardy Hibiscus, full sun is necessary to bring out the deepest foliage color. Beginning in midsummer slightly cupped 6-7" bright white flowers will appear. Each bloom is absent the typical red eye of Hardy Hibiscus, appearing solid white. The back of each petal has a slight pink blush near the tip. Green calyxes follow bloom and contrast nicely with the dark foliage.
These North American native plants bring massive, tropical-looking flowers all the way to zone 4. Although later to emerge than most perennials in spring, these are fast growing plants capable of adding an inch of new growth a day. Excellent at brightening up end of season gardens.
Growing Tips: Hibiscus love the sun and need moist, well-drained soil. Keeping these plants watered will result in larger flowers and lush foliage. Deadheading will improve the appearance of the plant. It is best to plant Hibiscus in the garden before the heat of the summer arrives, and should be heavily mulched the first winter. In spring, cut back any remaining stems before new growth appears. A strong pair of loppers or a saw will be necessary to cut this plant back. Be advised that Hibiscus is always one of the last perennials to emerge in spring. Its vigorous growth rate more than makes up for this late start, however. Japanese beetles find these plants especially delicious.
Photo courtesy of Walters Garden, Inc.
A night and day combination of matte black foliage and pure white flowers. 'Cookies and Cream' emerges in late spring already showing its dark foliage; the perfect backdrop to early season perennials. Like other dark-leaved Hardy Hibiscus, full sun is necessary to bring out the deepest foliage color. Beginning in midsummer slightly cupped 6-7" bright white flowers will appear. Each bloom is absent the typical red eye of Hardy Hibiscus, appearing solid white. The back of each petal has a slight pink blush near the tip. Green calyxes follow bloom and contrast nicely with the dark foliage.
These North American native plants bring massive, tropical-looking flowers all the way to zone 4. Although later to emerge than most perennials in spring, these are fast growing plants capable of adding an inch of new growth a day. Excellent at brightening up end of season gardens.
Growing Tips: Hibiscus love the sun and need moist, well-drained soil. Keeping these plants watered will result in larger flowers and lush foliage. Deadheading will improve the appearance of the plant. It is best to plant Hibiscus in the garden before the heat of the summer arrives, and should be heavily mulched the first winter. In spring, cut back any remaining stems before new growth appears. A strong pair of loppers or a saw will be necessary to cut this plant back. Be advised that Hibiscus is always one of the last perennials to emerge in spring. Its vigorous growth rate more than makes up for this late start, however. Japanese beetles find these plants especially delicious.
Photo courtesy of Walters Garden, Inc.
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Flower Color: White Shades Foliage Color: Green Shades
Height: 2 to 3 Feet Spread: 3 to 4 Feet Hardy in Zone: 4, 5, 6 |
Blooms: Summer to Fall
Foliage Season: All Season |
Exposure
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Soil Moisture Needs
Moderate
Moist
Wet
Attributes |
 Extended Bloomer  Native Border Easy to Grow Landscapes Mass Planting Specimen Plant Water's Edge
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
Critter Resistance
Deer
