Key Features

• Growth Habit:
  • Upright, bushy herbaceous perennial
  • Typically grows 4–5 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide
  • Forms a dense clump with dramatic dark foliage
• Bloom Color:
  • Brilliant scarlet-red to deep crimson-red flowers with prominent central stamens
• Fragrance:
  • Little to no noticeable fragrance
• Fruit Flavor:
  • Not grown for edible fruit production
• Culinary Uses:
  • No significant culinary uses
• Medicinal & Traditional Uses:
  • Primarily cultivated as an ornamental landscape plant
  • Related Hibiscus species have historical uses in herbal teas and traditional remedies, though ‘Midnight Marvel’ is grown for its ornamental value
• Wildlife Attraction & Pest Resistance:
  • Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators
  • Deer resistant once established
  • Generally resistant to most pests and diseases
  • May occasionally attract Japanese beetles or aphids
• Planting Zones: USDA Zones 4–9
• Sun Preferences:
  • Full sun for best flowering and darkest foliage color
• Drought Tolerance:
  • Moderate once established
  • Prefers consistently moist soil for optimal growth

---

Planting Instructions (From a 3.5" Pot into the Ground)

1. Choose the Location

• Select a sunny location receiving at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Ideal for perennial borders, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and focal point plantings.

2. Prepare the Soil

• Loosen soil 10–12 inches deep.
• Incorporate compost or organic matter to improve moisture retention and fertility.

3. Dig the Hole

• Dig a hole twice as wide as the 3.5" pot and equal depth.

4. Remove from Pot

• Carefully remove the plant from its container.
• Gently loosen any circling roots before planting.

5. Plant

• Position the root ball level with the surrounding soil surface.
• Backfill with soil and firm gently around the roots.

6. Water Thoroughly

• Water deeply immediately after planting.
• Keep soil consistently moist during the first growing season.

7. Mulch

• Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

8. Spacing

• Space plants 36–48 inches apart to allow for mature growth and proper airflow.

---

Overwintering ‘Midnight Marvel’ Rose Mallow

In-Ground Plants

• Fully hardy throughout USDA Zones 4–9.
• Foliage and stems will die back completely after the first hard frost.
• Cut stems back to 4–6 inches above ground level in late fall or early spring.

Winter Care Tips

• Apply a protective layer of mulch after the ground freezes in colder climates.
• Remove excess mulch in spring as new shoots emerge.
• Be patient in spring—hardy hibiscus is often one of the last perennials to emerge from dormancy.
• Maintain good soil moisture throughout the growing season for best performance.

First-Year Plants

• Newly planted specimens may produce fewer flowers while establishing roots.
• Growth and bloom production increase significantly as plants mature.

Container-Grown Plants

• Move containers to a protected location if grown in areas with severe winters.
• Water sparingly during dormancy, keeping soil only slightly moist.

---

‘Midnight Marvel’ Rose Mallow is a show-stopping hardy hibiscus that combines dramatic dark foliage with massive scarlet-red blooms for an unforgettable garden display. Its long flowering season, pollinator appeal, and cold-hardy nature make it an outstanding centerpiece for sunny landscapes, perennial borders, and water-wise garden designs.