Beautiful Monster

You know I like big plants, right? Castor bean, bamboo, Colocasia and Alocasia -- those big ones fit the size of my yard quite nicely. This year I've discovered a new big one, and it was a surprise for two reasons. First, it got much bigger than the tag indicated.

Second, it has the most amazing color! It's my beautiful monster, Hibiscus 'Mahogony Splendor'.

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Technically it's Hibiscus acetosella, and by the tag it should get 24"-36" tall (61-91cm). Mine is at least 84" (2.1m) tall, possibly more.

It fits the scale of the garden beautifully at this size though, as if it knew that the size on the tag would just not impress me.

What about that color? It was darker when I first planted it, but has become brighter, more vibrant. It has not faded to green as a lot of reddish foliage does in the heat.

Just amazing!  It also roots easily from cuttings so I should be able to successfully overwinter these. Expect to see at least five of these in my garden next year!


The deer have not touched it either!

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