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Description
Hibiscus Moscheutos Luna White, also known as Rose Mallow, is a perennial flowering plant native to the eastern United States. It is a member of the mallow family and is popular for its large, showy blooms that resemble hibiscus flowers. The Luna White variety produces pure white flowers with a prominent yellow center, and they can grow up to 12 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, and they attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Hibiscus |
Appearance
The leaves of Hibiscus Moscheutos Luna White are dark green and heart-shaped, with a slightly toothed edge. They can grow up to 8 inches long and 6 inches wide. The stems are tall and erect, reaching heights of up to 6 feet. The flowers are the main attraction of the plant, and they can grow up to 12 inches in diameter. They are pure white with a prominent yellow center and have five to seven overlapping petals. The flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall, and they last only for one day.
Care Guide
Hibiscus Moscheutos Luna White is a relatively easy plant to care for, and it thrives in full sun to partial shade. Here are some care tips:- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more often in hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Feed the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Hibiscus Moscheutos Luna White is hardy in USDA zones 5-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hibiscus Moscheutos Luna White is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:- Japanese beetles: These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.- Aphids: These pests can also feed on the plant, causing leaves to curl and yellow. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.- Whiteflies: These pests suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.- Gray mold: This fungal disease can cause the plant to wilt and rot. Remove and destroy infected plant parts, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Hibiscus Moscheutos Luna White is native to wetlands and marshes in the eastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. It thrives in moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate flooding and standing water.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Hibiscus Moscheutos Luna White?
A: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more often in hot, dry weather.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Hibiscus Moscheutos Luna White?
A: It is hardy in USDA zones 5-10.Q: What pests and diseases should I watch out for with Hibiscus Moscheutos Luna White?
A: Japanese beetles, aphids, whiteflies, and gray mold are common pests and diseases that can affect the plant.Q: What is the bloom time for Hibiscus Moscheutos Luna White?
A: The flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall.
Related Plants
– Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese hibiscus)- Hibiscus cannabinus (Kenaf)- Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle)
References
– “Hibiscus Moscheutos.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278636&isprofile=0.- “Hibiscus Moscheutos ‘Luna White’.” Plant Finder, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1423/luna-white-hardy-hibiscus/.- “Rose Mallow.” HGTV, www.hgtv.com/plants/rose-mallow.
