Hibiscus 'Mahogony Splendor'

You already know that I'm back to buying new plants this year, and that I'm not adverse to paying for annuals or tropicals -- things that are not cold hardy in my climate. It seems like that's where all of the "best" plants are...

...so bring them on! Sure I'll have to let go once the killing cold comes, or figure out a way to overwinter at least a cutting, but it's so worth it. Here's a great example: Hibiscus 'Mahogony Splendor'.

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There were several of these on the shelf, and the dark, glossy foliage called out to me. I was specifically looking for something that could be planted under my dark "purple" castor beans, and this was not it. (I ignored the opinion of the employee who said this would look "fantastic" under a castor bean.) So I almost passed it by.

I'm so glad I decided to get it anyway, as I found a great spot for it on the south side of the house.

Don't you just love that foliage? 

"Inconspicuous pink flowers" sounds perfect to me -- just let me enjoy those leaves!

This does droop a bit in the heat of midday over here, but it hasn't been touched by deer yet. Love it!

Please ignore all of the grassy weeds -- I've pulled them all since that photo was taken!

I'm going to take a couple of cuttings to see what happens...

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