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Description:
Hibiscus Moscheutos Southern Belle, also known as Rose Mallow, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is a popular garden plant due to its large, showy flowers that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. The flowers come in various colors, including pink, white, and red, with a dark red center. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for creating a focal point in the garden. The blooms appear in late summer and last until the first frost.
Taxonomic Information:
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Hibiscus |
Appearance:
The Hibiscus Moscheutos Southern Belle has large, five-petaled flowers that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. The flowers come in various colors, including pink, white, and red, with a dark red center. The leaves are green and are shaped like a heart. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for creating a focal point in the garden. The blooms appear in late summer and last until the first frost. The plant’s stems are strong and sturdy, and the plant can grow as a single stem or as a clump.
Care Guide:
The Hibiscus Moscheutos Southern Belle requires regular care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow and bloom properly.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases:
The Hibiscus Moscheutos Southern Belle is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases:
- Whiteflies: These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Spider mites: These pests can cause webbing on the plant and make the leaves appear speckled. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause yellowing of the leaves and brown spots. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat:
The Hibiscus Moscheutos Southern Belle is native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in wetlands, marshes, and along riverbanks. The plant prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer:
Q: Is the Hibiscus Moscheutos Southern Belle a perennial or an annual plant?
A: The Hibiscus Moscheutos Southern Belle is a perennial plant.
Q: How tall can the Hibiscus Moscheutos Southern Belle grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall.
Q: What kind of soil does the Hibiscus Moscheutos Southern Belle prefer?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: When does the Hibiscus Moscheutos Southern Belle bloom?
A: The blooms appear in late summer and last until the first frost.
Related Plants:
- Hibiscus syriacus
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
- Hibiscus acetosella
References:
- “Hibiscus moscheutos.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286447.
- “Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Southern Belle’.” Plant Delights Nursery, www.plantdelights.com/products/hibiscus-moscheutos-southern-belle.
- “Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos).” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant/hibiscus-moscheutos-rose-mallow.
