Hibiscus Watermelon Ruffles
Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Watermelon Ruffles’, Hardy Hibiscus ‘Watermelon Ruffles’, Rose Mallow ‘Watermelon Ruffles’, Swamp Rose Mallow ‘Watermelon Ruffles’This vigorous, hardy hibiscus, part of the Rose Mallow family, delivers dramatic flair with its large, waterfall-like blossoms and lush, bronze-tinted, dark green leaves. Blooms begin in mid-summer and continue well into early fall, adorning the upright 4–5 ft tall and wide mound with vibrant color. Thanks to its indeterminate bloom habit, flowers appear along the entire stem, offering continuous showy interest through the season.
Despite its late spring emergence, Hibiscus Watermelon Ruffles is a fast-growing perennial capable of adding inches of new growth daily. The deeply ruffled blooms seem almost double-petaled, with notched edges that catch the eye. Cold-hardy to USDA Zone 4 and heat-tolerant, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil under full to part sun and refuses fussiness, making it a reliable choice for summer‐long spectacle.
Planting: Choose a sunny site with moist, well-drained soil. Allow for spacing of 4–5 ft between plants.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering; use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to avoid overhead wetting.
Pruning: Cut back old stems to the base in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Deadheading: Carefully remove spent blooms to maintain neatness without disturbing developing buds along the stem.
Mulching: Apply 3–4″ mulch to retain soil moisture and protect the crown through winter; remove any covering in spring before growth begins.
Pest Control: Rarely troubled—may need protection from Japanese beetles; deer and rabbits typically avoid this plant
