Hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus 'Plum Crazy')
Discover Hibiscus 'Plum Crazy', a low-maintenance Hardy hibiscus prized for its massive plum blossoms and superb tolerance to wetter soils.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ is a standout herbaceous perennial known for delivering spectacular, dinner plate-sized blooms throughout the height of summer. As a variety of Hardy hibiscus, this cultivar offers impressive size and vigor, distinguishing itself from tropical varieties by returning reliably each spring. Gardeners value this selection for its incredibly showy flowers and its ability to thrive even in moist landscape conditions.
This cultivar is compact for a hardy mallow, typically reaching 3 to 4 feet tall, making it manageable yet impactful. It flourishes in full sun conditions, which encourages the strongest stems and the most prolific flowering display possible. The unique plum-colored blooms, veined with darker purple and featuring a dark eye, provide a breathtaking focal point from July well into September.
The vigorous nature of Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ means it offers a high-impact aesthetic with relatively low effort. It is an excellent choice for brightening rain gardens or providing color against borders where consistent moisture is present. Its robust nature and resistance to deer make it a dependable performer across USDA Zones 4 through 9.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Malvaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-4 ft
- Spread: 2-4 ft
- Bloom Time: July to September
- Bloom Description: Plum
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Hardy hibiscus like Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ is best done in spring after the last frost, ensuring the plant establishes roots before summer heat. Choose a site offering full sun for the most robust performance, though it tolerates light shade. This plant prefers being in moist, organically rich soils, making it ideal for rain gardens, but it adapts surprisingly well to average garden soils provided they do not dry out completely.
Consistent moisture is key to success. Deep and regular watering is advisable, especially during dry spells, as allowing the soil to dry out can lead to foliage scorch. While very wet soils are tolerated, full sun combined with good air circulation maximizes flower production and helps mitigate potential disease issues. Protect sites from strong winds to prevent leaf burn on the large foliage.
Maintenance for Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ is straightforward. Deadhead individual flowers immediately after they fade to maintain a tidy appearance. In late autumn, cut the stems back to about 3 or 4 inches above the ground. Be patient in spring; new growth emerges slowly but vigorously once initiated. Regular fertilization throughout the growing season supports flower production.
Landscape Uses
The dramatic size and intense summer color of Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ lend themselves to several landscape applications. Use this cultivar as a bold specimen plant to anchor a mixed border, or plant masses of it to create a thick, temporary hedge providing excellent seasonal screening. Because it thrives in damp conditions, it is highly effective when sited near ponds, streams, or in low spots where water tends to collect.
For design flair, pair the deep plum blossoms of Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ with contrasting foliage plants that enjoy similar moisture levels, such as ornamental grasses or bright green hostas. Its tendency to grow in moist areas makes it a perfect structural element in a dedicated rain garden collection. Focus on placing it where its massive flowers can be easily admired during the mid-to-late summer season when many spring bloomers have faded.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hybrid hardy hibiscus cultivars are often complex crosses involving several native U.S. species, known for their vigor and woody-based perennial nature. Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ creates dinner plate-sized, 5-petaled flowers, up to 8 inches in diameter, which are plum-colored with darker veining and a very dark central eye, complemented by large, maple-like purplish-green leaves. This cultivar, introduced by the Fleming Brothers, establishes itself as a sturdy, rounded shrubby perennial capable of producing up to 250 flowers over its long bloom period.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Wet Soil
Potential Problems
This Hardy hibiscus variety generally requires low maintenance, but growers should monitor for a few issues. It shows some susceptibility to common fungal issues such as leaf spots, blights, rusts, and canker, especially if air circulation is poor. Insect pests like Japanese beetles, sawflies, whiteflies, and aphids may occasionally appear; immediate attention is needed for Japanese beetles, as they can rapidly defoliate the plant. Ensure deep watering; letting the soil completely dry out will certainly result in leaf scorch, but healthy plants grown in appropriate conditions usually do not require staking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Hardy hibiscus suitable for?
Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ is reliably winter hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 9.
How large does Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ grow?
This cultivar typically matures to a height between 3 and 4 feet, with a spread of 2 to 4 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ need?
This plant absolutely requires full sun to achieve the best flower production and strongest stems; it can tolerate some light shade.
When does Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ bloom?
You can expect this vigorous perennial to bloom reliably from July through September, offering plum-colored, large blossoms.
Conclusion
Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ provides unparalleled drama for the summer garden, delivering massive, uniquely colored flowers with minimal upkeep. Its reliability in Zones 4-9 and tolerance for medium to wet soils make this Hardy hibiscus a versatile powerhouse. Before planting, confirm your site offers full sun and plan for consistent moisture to ensure your Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’ provides its spectacular show all season long.
Companion Planting
When selecting partners for Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’, focus on perennials that share a love for moisture and full sun exposure. Astilbes, true to their preference for damp richness, make excellent textural companions near the base of the mallow. Tall ornamental grasses, such as switchgrass varieties, offer contrasting fine texture and movement that beautifully frames the broad leaves and bold flowers of the Hardy hibiscus. Alternatively, plants that require consistently moist feet, like Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold) earlier in the season, can transition well to sharing space with the thirsty hibiscus during peak summer bloom.
Propagation Tips
For gardeners looking to expand their collection of Hibiscus ‘Plum Crazy’, propagation can be achieved through division or cuttings, though division is often most straightforward for herbaceous perennials. Division of the root crown should ideally be performed in early spring just as new growth is beginning to emerge, ensuring you sever sections that have established roots and at least one viable growing point. Taking softwood cuttings during the active summer growth period is another effective method; these should be taken from non-flowering stems, treated with rooting hormone, and kept consistently moist and warm until roots develop, allowing you to start new, genetically identical plants.
