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Herbaceous Perennial

Hibiscus 'Fireball'PBR
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A compact, bushy, herbaceous perennial with fine dark green foliage blended with a dark purple hue when mature. Very large, velvety bright red flowers only last a day each, but flower in succession on dark purple stems from mid to late summer

Synonyms
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Fire Ball'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Green
Summer Purple Red Green Purple
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Hibiscus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, trees, annuals or perennials, with simple or palmately lobed leaves and large, funnel-shaped flowers over a long flowering season

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or by division in spring or early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back to ground level in late autumn once foliage has wilted, protecting the crown with a layer of thick mulch

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, sawfly and glasshouse whitefly when grown under glass

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews

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