Hibiscus, Starry Starry Night

Starry Starry Night hardy hibiscus combines near-black foliage with enormous pink, speckled flowers. Dramatic late-summer color for sunny Alabama gardens.

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Description

Starry Starry Night hardy hibiscus is prized for its exceptionally dark, nearly black, maple-like leaves and huge, 7–8-inch flowers. The pale pink petals feature deeper pink speckling and veining, making a striking contrast with the upright, dark-leaved clump. Flowers form along the stems in late summer, bringing bold color to sunny borders.

Plant in full sun for the deepest foliage color and strong flowering. In Alabama, give hardy hibiscus fertile, consistently moist soil with good drainage, and water thoroughly during hot, dry stretches. A layer of mulch helps conserve moisture without burying the crown. Stems die back in winter; cut them down while dormant and be patient, since new shoots often appear late in spring. Once soils warm, growth is vigorous. This hardy perennial is generally suitable for USDA Zone 4 and warmer.