A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2002 Hardy hibiscus - Rosemallow

Three years ago I planted 2 Rosemallow (Wisconsin), one in a small garden by the driveway, one on the south side next to the house. The first one is a trooper, giving a banquet of dozens of blooms all through Sept. on stalks up to 7 feet high. The second is a shrimp 30" high with only 3 or 4 blooms.
Any idea why # 2 is so retarded? Any special soil required? Even on the south side garden trees now keep the sun to about 25% of the day. :rolleyes:

Hi John,

Hardy hibiscus do best when planted in full sun. They also like lots of organic matter mixed into the soil. Compost usually works best. The other problem may be that the plant was root bound when you planted it. If you suspect this to be the problem, after it is finished blooming, dig it up and if the roots haven't spread, soak in a bucket of water and remove the compacted soil. Replant, spreading the roots.

Good luck,
Newt

Were they both the same cultivar? The reason I ask is because they vary in height. Lord Baltomore, Lady Baltimore and Blue River can grow quite tall, but the Disco Bell series only grows to about 3-4 feet.