PlantFiles: Hardy Hibiscus, Rose Mallow, Swamp Mallow
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Plum Crazy'

'Plum Crazy' is an elegant plummy colored perennial hybrid hibiscus introduced by the Fleming Brothers of Lincoln, Nebraska. The Flemings are famous for having produced several 'rose mallow' hybrids that are are typically crosses of H. moscheutos and H. coccineus varieties, and which are hardy to as far north as Zones 4 and even 3 (with pine bark winter mulches recommended).

We have enjoyed two 'Plum Crazy' hibiscus in a sunny low spot in a front garden for two years and I couldn't do with out them. They are wonderful plants that emerge from dormancy in late spring and don't begin to bloom until July, so they make nice companion plants for spring blooming bulbs, campanulas, and siberian iris. Others recommend planting 'Plum Crazy' with a selection of tall grasses. While the Fleming hibiscus don't like 'wet feet' they do require regular watering, either natural or irrigation.

"Plum Crazy" is a heavy feeder and likes monthly feedings of garden fertilizer until June. From June on, a fertilizer light on the nitrogen is preferred. The Fleming hibiscus are bred to be shorter and more compact ('Plum Crazy' is 4' x 3' according to the Fleming site) than the old fashioned garden hibiscus and may not need pruning unless you choose to. Some gardeners like to pinch out the early tips of perennial hibiscus to promote a bushier plant and more blooms. I have not done this in previous summers, but I may try it this year to create a 'show case' plant.

This hibiscus will stop blooming and die back after the first frosts. I did not cut them back immediatedly in the fall but waited until early spring to cut back to promote plant health and re-emergence in the late spring.

Perennial hibiscus are often easily propagated by cuttings taken from plants in early summer, dosed with a bit of rooting hormone and situated in growing medium or water, however, 'Plum Crazy' is patent protected and propagation is restricted.

I love this particular hibiscus. It is elegantly shaped with beautiful plum tinted leaves and flowers that are proportional to the leaves and stems and other plants in the garden. It is readily available at better perennial nurseries and on the internet. I purchased large plants at an end of season sale for $10 each. Now that I know how lovely they are to have in the garden I would have paid much more!